Caitlin Clark expressed admiration for an NBA legend who also turned pro with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

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Netflix released a new episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman featuring Clark. During the show, the former CBS late-night host asked Clark if she had any comparison for the immense expectations she faced entering the WNBA.

Although reluctant to draw the parallel, Clark noted how much pressure LeBron James faced when joining the NBA as a teenager.

“I hate saying this because LeBron is like the greatest basketball player of all time. But he didn’t even go to college, and he had all these expectations coming out of high school to be the greatest player,” Clark said. “Obviously, that’s a lot.”

Clark added that James has met the massive hype and continues to play at an elite level at age 40.

“He’s still one of the best players, if not the best player in the world … It’s incredible what he’s done for the game of basketball and the way he’s carried himself,” Clark added. “I’ve always been a fan of him.”

Caitlin Clark in Fever vs. Sun Game 2.

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on as she plays the Connecticut Sun during the first quarter of Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images

Fans turned one line in Clark’s extended answer from a wide-ranging interview into rehashing the same tired GOAT conversation.

“My GOAT discussing my other GOAT,” a fan said. “Love to see it.’

“You see, I’ve always knew I’ve been a fan of CC,” a fan wrote.

“As matter of factly as she says it, is how it’s supposed to be said,” a fan claimed. “Because that’s how matter of fact it is.”

It’s pretty clear Clark wasn’t intending to make some bold proclamation or engage in another pointless GOAT debate.

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Clark didn’t bang her fists on the table like she was debating Stephen A. Smith or Skip Bayless. She was merely explaining why she felt hesitant to compare herself to a living legend in any way.

The “like” before identifying James as the greatest is important to note. Younger generations are also increasingly liberal in who they call the greatest, so don’t assume Clark definitively declared that LeBron is better than Michael Jordan.