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In an unexpected twist of fate, LeBron James—the basketball legend who’s been dunking since before Caitlin Clark could walk—has been outshined not on the court, but in the Google search bar. That’s right: The Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation has out-Googled the King himself, with a little help from her dazzling debut season. If you’re feeling the winds of change in the world of sports, you’re not alone.
Speaking to Esquire, LeBron acknowledged Clark’s gravity-defying rise, saying, “I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark, because I know exactly what it means to be drafted.” Of course, LeBron’s draft day was epic—Cleveland Cavaliers fans treated it like a national holiday—but Clark’s ascent has taken an unexpected, internet-fueled turn. Not only did she leave LeBron in the dust on the court of public attention, but she did so during some of the NBA’s biggest events this past year. Google’s data doesn’t lie: Clark’s name popped up more frequently than LeBron’s each month, except for rare dips when Olympic glory briefly shone brighter on him.
But why is this rise such a big deal? For starters, Clark has taken the WNBA by storm, breaking attendance records, pushing playoff viewership through the roof, and selling out Indiana Fever games all season long. Her performance has fans teetering on the edge of their seats, unsure if they’re about to see a deep three, a no-look pass, or both. And her popularity is only growing—who else could rally a fan to carry a “Team USA needs Caitlin Clark” sign to Paris after her Olympic snub?
Even The Ringer WNBA Show’s host Seerat Sohi had to tip her hat to Clark’s unmatched rise. “I check Google trends,” she admitted, “and every month, Caitlin Clark nearly always outranked LeBron.” For perspective, this is like witnessing a rookie pitcher out-hype Babe Ruth.
Clark’s incredible run has brought palpable pride to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who seems poised to champion this new chapter of women’s basketball as Clark brings fresh eyes and fans to the sport. And it’s not just the young guns tuning in—veterans, families, and anyone who knows a thing about buzzer-beaters are showing up, too.
What’s next for the rookie-turned-reigning Google queen? One thing’s certain: LeBron might need to share the spotlight. His legacy is secure—there’s no shaking his standing as one of the game’s all-time greats—but Clark is already building her own. With a record-breaking playoff game that brought in 2.5 million viewers (peaking at 3.4 million!) and stadiums filling up to near capacity, it’s clear Clark’s making her mark.
Meanwhile, LeBron’s watching from the sidelines, probably with a mix of pride, admiration, and a little confusion. Who could’ve predicted that the hottest contest in sports would be on the keyboard, not the court? Stay tuned, because Clark’s legacy is just beginning. And as for King James? Well, he might have to get used to sharing that crown.