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LeBron James has long been a vocal er of women's sports, often using his platform to highlight standout performances in the WNBA and beyond. But over the weekend, a simple post of praise ignited a heated response across social media.
Following Caitlin Clark's impressive triple-double in the Indiana Fever's commanding 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky, LeBron took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his : "TRIPLE DUB CC!! Great way to kick off the season!"
The shoutout came after Clark delivered 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in her regular-season debut, continuing her rapid rise as one of the league's most recognizable stars.
But fans quickly pointed out that Angel Reese, who also played in the game, was notably absent from LeBron's message - despite logging a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double in her own rookie debut.
Some s responded directly to James, asking why Reese wasn't mentioned. One post, simply stating "speak about angel too," gained traction with hundreds of likes.
Another added fuel to the fire, suggesting, "They about to say he hates black women," a stark example of how easily for one player can be misinterpreted as slighting another.
Brand affiliations and game context add nuance
While some viewed LeBron's silence on Reese as a personal slight, others were quick to defend the Los Angeles Lakers star by highlighting possible reasons behind the omission.
One factor frequently mentioned was brand alignment. LeBron and Clark are both Nike athletes, while Reese recently signed with Reebok under Shaquille O'Neal's leadership.
"It's very simple y'all - CC is signed with Nike, Angel is signed with Reebok," one explained. "g with Nike gets you more co-signs."
The performance context was also part of the conversation. Clark not only posted historic numbers but did so in a blowout victory.
Reese, meanwhile, had a solid individual game, but the Sky lost by 35 points and her plus-minus was minus-20 - metrics that can impact narrative framing, especially when comparing debuts.
To be fair, both players have proven they belong in the spotlight. Clark's playmaking and scoring have brought national attention to the Fever, while Reese's rebounding and interior presence are drawing praise for her WNBA readiness.
The two stars are already shaping one of the league's most compelling rivalries - one that fans and media will undoubtedly continue to track.
James has not responded to the criticism, but his history of ing women's sports suggests that his praise of Clark wasn't intended to diminish Reese.
In today's social media climate, however, every omission can be amplified - especially when it involves two of the most talked-about athletes in the sport.
As the WNBA season unfolds, both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are expected to continue making headlines. And with them, debates over legacy, recognition, and are sure to follow.