For Caitlin Clark, the "Greatest of All Time" debate is already settled, but her pick for the "Best Player in the World" has definitely raised some eyebrows. Just last year, Clark admitted she was star-struck when she finally met her inspiration, LeBron James. Whenever she lights it up in the WNBA, a congratulatory post from the Los Angeles Lakers legend isn't far behind. The four-time NBA champion's place in the GOAT conversation is locked, but when it comes to other debates…
After a brief stint behind the camera as an honorary photographer during a Pacers-Lakers matchup, the 24-year-old was back on the hardwood in a different role. Serving as a guest analyst for NBC's broadcast of the New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game at Paycom Center, Clark didn't hesitate when the conversation turned to today's top player, and it wasn't Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Her favorite is the Nuggets' big man Nikola Jokic.
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"I think everybody knew he was going to do everything to get back," the Joker said. Despite missing 16 games with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, he is back, firing on all cylinders. "Not many people can average a triple-double. You're lucky enough to maybe get a couple of those in a season. He's done that all year long and in back-to-back years, so it's pretty incredible. Honestly, he's my favorite player to watch. I think he's the best player in the world."
The Fever guard knows how difficult it is to dominate the game. Clark has had her fair share of triple-doubles, but the first one was historic. On July 6, 2024, Caitlin Clark made history by recording the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history.
As Clark said, what Jokic is doing right now is truly incredible. In fact, they are both signed with Excel Sports Management, meaning she can have more conversations about the Joker and access more insider information about his behind-the-scenes p reparation. But while Jokic might currently be her best player in the world, the GOAT status remains unchanged. It was last year that the Fever star first expressed her admiration for James. "LeBron is the GOAT to me, so it was just a crazy moment where I got to meet him in the back," Clark said. Even today, the Lakers' superstar still holds that place.
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Clark's take on separating "GOAT" from "best right now" is something sports fans actually think about a lot. And one of the clearest examples of this comes from NBA legend Dwyane Wade, who once put it perfectly: "Michael Jordan is the greatest player I've ever watched… LeBron James is the greatest player I've ever seen." That's a subtle but powerful distinction. Wade isn't taking sides. He's honoring Jordan's legacy as the player who defined what basketball greatness looks like, while also acknowledging that James, the guy he actually shared the court with, was simply on ano ther level in the modern game.
And that's exactly what Clark is getting at. All-time greatness and right-now dominance aren't always the same thing, and the smartest people in sports are usually the ones who can hold both ideas at once without needing to pick a lane.
During the same NBC broadcast, Caitlin Clark's recent stint as a photographer for the Lakers-Pacers game on Wednesday was discussed extensively. The new video package, showcasing some of her work featuring Lakers forward LeBron James, was released the morning after the contest. Speaking about it, she added, "It's a new hobby, you didn't even show the pictures I took of LeBron."
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"I got it printed out and got him to sign it for me… That's my GOAT," Clark added. "I swear we made eye contact, so I set down the camera and smiled at him. He just looked at me with a straight face. I'm like, he didn't even see me. But the photo turned out well, so new hobby, I love it."
James also liked the picture and later shared it on his Instagram story. The two continue to build their bond as James's GOAT status remains locked.
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