LeBron James Praises Caitlin Clark's Team USA Return

The NBA icon showed his support for the Indiana Fever star's highly anticipated comeback.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caitlin Clark made her long-awaited return to the court for Team USA in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament on March 11. Despite coming off the bench, Clark quickly asserted herself as the best player on the court, finishing with 17 points, 12 assists, and going 4-for-5 from three-point range in just 19 minutes. NBA legend LeBron James, a known admirer of Clark, showed his support by liking a video of her draining a three-pointer on the @usabasketball Instagram account.

Why it matters

Clark's return to the national team is a significant moment for women's basketball, as she is one of the sport's rising stars. LeBron's public endorsement of Clark further highlights her growing influence and popularity, especially among male basketball fans who may not traditionally follow the women's game.

The details

Clark came off the bench for Team USA's opening game against Senegal, a decision that rubbed some fans the wrong way. However, she quickly made an impact, tallying three assists on her first three touches and draining the first three-pointer she took. As the game progressed, Clark showcased her exceptional court vision and scoring ability, finishing with 17 points, 12 assists, and going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.

  • Caitlin Clark made her return to the court for Team USA on March 11, 2026.

The players

Caitlin Clark

A star guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA and a member of the U.S. women's national basketball team.

LeBron James

A legendary NBA player and one of the most influential figures in basketball, who has publicly praised Caitlin Clark's talent and potential.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Clark's performance in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament will be closely watched as she looks to solidify her spot on the U.S. national team ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.

The takeaway

Caitlin Clark's return to the court for Team USA has generated significant buzz, with NBA icon LeBron James showing his support for the rising women's basketball star. Clark's dominant performance against Senegal demonstrates her immense talent and potential to become a global face of the sport.