LeBron James sees a lot of his younger self in Caitlin Clark. The greatest NBA player of this generation, if not of all-time, lived a similar reality to the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year when he first enter the league in 2003.

James is impressed by Clark’s ability to handle the blinding spotlight!

Although they are very different people in a lot of ways, Clark and James also come from backgrounds that are more alike than not. They weren’t born into fame. They grew up in the heart of the midwest as two people who not only love to compete, but love more than anything to win.

James was the most publicized prospect in basketball history as an 18-year-old out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated long before the NBA Draft. Clark was the biggest draw in women’s college basketball history at Iowa. She is the greatest scorer of all-time.

Both athletes were labeled as the future of their sport prior to their rookie seasons. They had the eyes of an entire nation watching all of their games and keeping tabs on their every move.

LeBron James respects Caitlin Clark!

In addition to all of the hype, there was a lot of people who doubted James and Clark’s ability to succeed as young professionals.

Diana Taurasi (who was right) caught a lot of heat for saying that the rookie class, including the No. 1 overall pick, would endure a “learning curve” during their first season. Skeptics also questioned whether James would be able to find success as a pro.

He recently spoke about the haters during a conversation with Esquire and explained why his experience led him to great respect for Clark.

I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark, because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that don’t believe you’re ready for the next jump, don’t believe you’re ready for the big leagues, and just don’t think that you belong. And I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I’d fail. –  LeBron James

In the end, James is arguably the best to ever do it. Clark may not be far behind in her own right.

And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s doing, I’ve been in support of her since day one, because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. She’s a transcendent player. And obviously we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew that it would translate to the big leagues. And she’s an unbelievable talent. It’s great to watch. –  LeBron James

There is also room to draw comparisons between their on-court play.

She has the vision, she has the spirit, she’s infectious, people want to play with her. They’re going to be a really good team, and not too long from now. –  LeBron James