Caitlin Clark’s attempt to recruit LeBron James to Indiana on Friday was short-lived.
Speaking to the media at the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend, Clark was asked for her pitch to James on why he should sign with the Pacers. She led her answer off with on-court perks, saying, “He gets to play alongside Tyrese (Haliburton) and Pascal (Siakam), which I think would be really fun and incredible.”
She went on to praise Pacers and Fever fans, and Indiana as a basketball state — saying the crowd would be better than at Lakers games and that she would be courtside for every game.
But, despite Clark’s best efforts, her dreams were immediately dashed.
During the same media session, news of James’ signing with the Philadelphia 76ers broke, and she reacted in shock, saying, “No way,” before joking, “I just pitched him to the Pacers. It didn’t get to him fast enough.”
Clark then revealed her hand, acknowledging she really wanted him to sign with the Golden State Warriors and team up with Steph Curry.
Despite Clark’s sales pitch — and personal wish — James is headed to Philly, not the Hoosier State or Bay Area. With Haliburton set to return from a torn Achilles and help re-establish Indiana as an Eastern Conference contender, however, there’s certainly still reason for Clark to be courtside at Pacers games next season.