Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took to social media on September 5 to back Caitlin Clark after the Indiana Fever guard confirmed she will miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA campaign because of a groin injury that has bothered her since July.
In a post shared by Yahoo Sports, James told Clark to “keep going, kid,” adding a heart emoji as the 22-year-old formally shut down her sophomore season. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, had hoped to build on a standout rookie year that helped boost league attendance and television ratings.
High Expectations From Day One
Clark’s arrival in the WNBA drew comparisons to the scrutiny James faced when he entered the NBA in 2003. The former University of Iowa standout became a national sensation in college, regularly filling arenas and generating record television audiences. Indiana drafted her first overall with the expectation she could revive a franchise that had missed the postseason for seven straight years.
Despite the early end to her year, Clark averaged double-figure scoring and continued to draw sell-out crowds before the injury worsened. Fever officials said the guard will focus on rehabilitation with an eye on returning fully healthy for the 2026 season.
James Still Drawing Headlines
James, preparing for his 23rd NBA season, remains a central figure in Los Angeles even as the Lakers transition toward new cornerstone Luka Dončić. Dončić recently told reporters he hopes to keep playing alongside the four-time champion, saying James’ experience is crucial to another title push. The 40-year-old forward is entering the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
For now, James’ message to Clark adds to a wave of public support aimed at the Fever star as she begins the recovery process.
Source: Lakers Nation
