Caitlin Clark Is Unlocking the LeBron James In Her Game
Caitlin Clark is finishing strong around the rim, which has unlocked yet another basketball comparison. LeBron James.
Clark is making 62.7% of her shots from within five feet. In fact, she leads all guards in 2-Pt Field Goal % and her conversion rate around the basket stacks up with many of the league's best bigs. CC has particularly shown a penchant for driving and finishing herself since the Indiana Fever returned from the Olympics break.
Controlling an offense like Clark and taking the ball to the rack is of course something James does.
Caitlin Clark is shooting 68.8% on shots inside 8 feet since returning from the Olympic break
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 25, 2024
Only Napheesa Collier and Brittney Griner are shooting a higher percentage in that time span (min. 5 attempts per game) pic.twitter.com/OhYELK6aTM
I have previously compared Clark to Jason Kidd, Steve Nash and Steph Curry. Kidd for her ability to grab rebounds and pace the offense with get ahead passes. Nash for her playmaking and freestyle creativity. And obviously Curry for her deep shooting prowess. Well, when you combine all those traits, who do you get? LeBron. Plus his ability to put his head down and attack.
caitlin clark with another tuff finish😮💨
— CaitlinClarkMuse (@caitlinmusee) May 9, 2024
pic.twitter.com/rINhdW0QAg
One might not think of James when it comes to the long three aspect, but that has actually been something he added to his bag in the latter stages of his career. LeBron shot over 40% from 25 feet and out this past season, on plenty of attempts.
LeBron's ability to impact a game all around has always been lauded. Which is the same thing we're seeing with Caitlin. Clark is top 10 in the WNBA in scoring, number one in assists, and leads all guards in rebounds and blocks. Though it's safe to say CC has a long way to go on the defensive end to be quite the force James has been there.
Nevertheless, both players dominate games by creating for themselves and others. With elite court vision complementing their individual skills. And now that Clark is showing she is strong around the basket, it's fair to point out the similarities to James.
Oh, and by the way, LeBron is the NBA’s all-time leader in turnovers. So there's also that.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!