LeBron’s Shoutout Sparks WNBA Drama: Angel Reese Claps Back Amid Caitlin Clark’s Meteoric Rise
The WNBA’s 2025 season is off to a fiery start, but it’s not just the basketball that’s making headlines—it’s the drama off the court, too. At the center of the latest storm: LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, whose brewing rivalry and social media sparring are captivating fans and fueling debates about the league’s future.
It all started when LeBron James, the NBA legend and self-appointed oracle of basketball greatness, publicly praised Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. After Clark notched a historic triple-double in her WNBA debut—against none other than Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky—LeBron took to Instagram, posting:
“Triple dub CC. Great way to kick off the season. 👏👏👏”
It was a simple, glowing endorsement, but in the world of women’s basketball, it landed like a thunderclap. LeBron’s words weren’t just a compliment to Clark; they were a coronation, signaling to the world that Clark is the future of the league.
Angel Reese, who entered the WNBA with a massive following, NIL deals, and sky-high expectations, didn’t take the King’s shoutout lightly. While Clark basked in the praise, Reese responded with the only weapon modern athletes know best: social media shade. Eye-roll emojis, cryptic posts, and icy glances at media day made it clear—Reese felt slighted, and she wasn’t about to let it slide.
The tension was palpable. Clark, meanwhile, kept her response classy and low-key, simply thanking LeBron and focusing on her game. “He’s the greatest basketball player of all time. It’s been cool to see his support,” Clark said, sidestepping the drama and letting her performance do the talking.
The numbers tell a stark story. Clark is putting up video-game stats—24.7 points, 9.2 assists per game, and a string of highlight-reel threes. She’s not just playing well; she’s transforming the WNBA, driving up viewership and packing arenas wherever she goes.
Reese, on the other hand, is struggling to find her rhythm. Shooting percentages in the 20s, missed layups, and a string of tough losses have made her rookie campaign more headline than highlight. Opposing players, like Kelsey Plum, have added insult to injury, hitting Reese with the infamous “too small” gesture after scoring on her. The memes and social media jabs have been relentless.
LeBron’s post set off a social media firestorm. Fans took sides—Team Clark or Team Reese—while memes, reaction videos, and hot takes dominated the timeline. Some accused LeBron of disrespecting Reese, while others argued he was simply recognizing greatness.
Reese’s supporters rallied around her, invoking narratives about confidence, representation, and the challenges faced by outspoken Black women in sports. But as the video points out, in the WNBA, you have to back up the talk with results. Right now, Clark is delivering; Reese is searching for answers.
What’s clear is that the WNBA has found its next great rivalry. Reese and Clark are more than just rookies—they’re symbols of a new era, each bringing their own style, swagger, and fanbase. LeBron’s endorsement has only raised the stakes, turning every Fever-Sky matchup into must-see TV.
But as the dust settles, the message is simple: in the WNBA, drama sells, but winning sells more. Clark’s humility and focus have made her the league’s darling, while Reese’s bravado and struggles have cast her as the misunderstood anti-hero. The season is young, and the story is far from over.
LeBron James may not have intended to spark a feud, but his praise for Caitlin Clark has added fuel to the WNBA’s hottest rivalry. As Clark continues to shine and Reese searches for her moment, fans are treated to a drama-filled season that’s as entertaining off the court as it is on it. One thing’s for sure: the WNBA has never been more exciting, and all eyes are on what happens next.
