Caitlin Clark says she'd 'retire' before following LeBron James' latest lifestyle change

The Indiana Fever star has a different view on giving up chocolate chip cookies compared to the Lakers legend.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:31am

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Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, jokingly said she'd rather retire than give up chocolate chip cookies like LeBron James recently did. The 24-year-old Clark is gearing up for her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever after missing most of the 2025 campaign due to injuries.

Why it matters

Clark's comments highlight the generational differences between her and the 41-year-old James when it comes to diet and lifestyle changes needed to maintain peak physical condition. As a rising star, Clark's comments also show her commitment to basketball and unwillingness to make drastic sacrifices, unlike the veteran James.

The details

After James revealed during the NBA All-Star break that he had to give up chocolate chip cookies to prepare for the season, Clark jokingly responded that she'd 'rather retire than do this.' Clark, who is 17 years younger than James, missed most of the 2025 WNBA season due to multiple lower-leg injuries and is looking to bounce back in 2026.

  • Caitlin Clark made the comments about retiring rather than giving up cookies on February 18, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May 2026.

The players

Caitlin Clark

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark is a rising star with the Indiana Fever who is gearing up for her third professional season after missing most of 2025 due to injuries.

LeBron James

The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar recently revealed he had to give up chocolate chip cookies to prepare for the current NBA season.

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What they’re saying

“I'd rather retire than do this. This is why he's him.”

— Caitlin Clark (Twitter (@LegionHoops)

What’s next

Clark will compete for USA Basketball in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament from March 11-17 before the WNBA season begins in May.

The takeaway

Clark's comments highlight the generational differences between rising stars like herself and veteran superstars like LeBron James when it comes to the lifestyle sacrifices needed to maintain peak physical condition over long careers. As a 24-year-old, Clark is unwilling to give up indulgences like chocolate chip cookies, unlike the 41-year-old James.