Luka Doncic has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, but his latest declaration on a viral sports talk show sent shockwaves through both the NBA and WNBA communities. When asked, “Who’s your favorite women’s basketball player?” Luka didn’t hesitate. With a confident smile, he replied, “Caitlin Clark.” Instantly, the internet lit up. Fans were stunned—not just because Luka chose Clark, but because he did so over two of the most hyped new WNBA stars: Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. And if you thought the reactions would be mild, think again. The WNBA world, especially the fanbases of Paige and Angel, were anything but happy.
Let’s set the stage. Caitlin Clark, fresh off a record-breaking college career and the number one pick in the WNBA draft, has been the talk of basketball for months. Her ability to drain logo threes, her court vision, and her swagger have made her a household name and brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers, long touted as “the next big thing,” was just drafted by the Dallas Wings, and Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie,” had already built a brand on her charisma and championship run with LSU. Both Paige and Angel came into the league with massive expectations and loyal fan armies ready to defend their honor at a moment’s notice.
So when Luka, now a Laker after his blockbuster trade from Dallas, was asked about his favorite WNBA player, everyone expected a diplomatic answer. Maybe he’d mention Angel’s grit, or Paige’s smooth game—especially since Paige had just joined his old team, the Wings. But Luka was blunt. He shrugged off Paige (“She’s okay, I haven’t seen her play in the WNBA”) and didn’t even mention Angel. Instead, he doubled down on his admiration for Clark, calling her “the truth” and even likening her shooting ability to Steph Curry’s. It was a cold, honest, and, to many, savage moment.
The fallout was immediate. Paige and Angel’s fanbases erupted on social media. Paige’s supporters insisted Luka hadn’t seen her best yet and promised she’d prove him wrong soon. Angel’s fans, meanwhile, accused Luka of favoritism and even hinted at deeper issues, with rumors swirling that her camp was scrambling to spin the narrative with new social media posts and PR stunts. Meanwhile, Clark’s fans were in celebration mode, joking about building Luka a statue in Indiana and flooding the internet with memes.
But why did Luka’s words sting so much? For Paige, it was a blow to her carefully crafted “next Caitlin Clark” narrative. Dallas had just invested their hopes in her, and Luka’s dismissal felt like a public snub from one of the NBA’s brightest stars. For Angel, who thrives on attention and has built her image as the queen of the court, being ignored in favor of Clark was a personal affront. Both players have undeniable talent, but Luka’s comments highlighted the uncomfortable truth: neither has matched the seismic impact Clark has had on the game.
Caitlin Clark isn’t just another rookie—she’s a phenomenon. She’s already changed the sport, drawing record crowds and TV ratings, and her presence has elevated the Indiana Fever from league afterthought to must-watch TV. Attendance at Fever games has skyrocketed from under 2,000 to over 17,000, and Clark’s jersey is flying off the shelves. She’s been named AP Female Athlete of the Year, shattered college records, and is now the face of the WNBA’s new era. Luka’s endorsement only cements her status as a global icon.
Meanwhile, Paige and Angel find themselves in the unfamiliar position of chasing, not leading, the narrative. Paige, still unproven at the pro level, now has even more pressure to deliver for Dallas. Angel, always ready with a viral quote or a TikTok dance, must contend with the reality that charisma alone isn’t enough to unseat Clark’s dominance. Both will have their moments, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on Caitlin.
Luka’s choice matters. NBA stars rarely weigh in so publicly on WNBA debates, and when they do, their words carry weight. Luka’s global fanbase will now be tuning in to watch Clark, and sponsors are sure to follow. For the WNBA, this is a turning point—a sign that women’s basketball is finally getting the crossover respect it deserves, but also a reminder that star power and results matter more than hype.
As for Clark, she’s not asking for the attention. She just shows up, drops logo threes, and lets her game do the talking. The pressure will only increase as her legend grows, but if Luka’s vote of confidence is any indication, she’s more than ready for the challenge.
So, is Caitlin Clark better than Angel and Paige? The debate will rage on, but one thing is clear: right now, she’s the one everyone is watching—even Luka Doncic. And in the world of sports, that’s the ultimate compliment.
