There is a special growing bond between LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, and it’s definitely not just a coincidence. Their shared admiration dates back to their college days and has only strengthened as both women rise in the world of basketball.
We’ve caught glimpses of their friendship on social media, like when Johnson recently celebrated Clark’s 23rd birthday, posting a photo from the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game with the sweet caption, “Happy Birthday @caitlinclark22.” This public shout-out is just one of many moments that showcase their authentic connection.
We’ve caught glimpses of their connection through their lively social media exchanges, like when Johnson sent heartfelt birthday wishes to Clark on her 23rd birthday, sharing a photo from the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game with the caption, “Happy Birthday @caitlinclark22.” This public shout-out is one of many moments that show their authentic connection.
But that wasn’t just a one-time thing. Johnson has consistently shown her admiration for Clark in various public appearances, none more telling than when she joined Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay.” That’s where she shared what might be her most candid opinion yet,“I have respect for her because she is like the biggest doing it. When somebody like that is in your field, you’ve got to study them. She real genuine, but like I told you, I like to learn from everybody.”
Flau’jae Johnson on studying/learning from Caitlin Clark and having respect for her:
“I have respect for her bcz she is like the biggest doing it. When somebody like that in your field, you got to study them. She real genuine but like I told you, I like to learn from everybody” pic.twitter.com/cX0grWOjFC
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) July 16, 2025
Hold on a second. Did LSU basketball star and up-and-coming rap artist Flau’jae Johnson just refer to her fierce competitor, Caitlin Clark, as “the biggest doing it”? You bet she did! And it was not a throwaway line. Johnson broke down why watching Clark so closely makes sense because Clark demands attention.
“I have respect for her because she is like the biggest doing it. When someone like that is in your field, you have to study them. She’s really genuine, but like I told you, I like to learn from everybody.” This statement highlights Johnson’s view that Clark’s skill and significant influence on the game warrant careful observation from her peers. Johnson also highlighted Clark’s “kill mentality” and incredible shooting ability. She is calling her “one of the greatest shooters in the world,” which are traits that deserve such attention.
Why Flau’jae Johnson Watches Clark’s Every Move
Johnson has been studying Clark for a while, and not from a distance. She’s previously spoken about texting Clark for advice and openly learning from her game. “That’s my dog. I text her, ask her for advice all the time,” she disclosed earlier this year. “She was cool and I asked her questions and she’d be like, ‘Yeah, this is why I do this. This is how I work.’ She’s really genuine.”
She even paid tribute to Clark in her music, dropping the line: “Double-C on my jacket like Caitlin Clark” in her song Help Me.
Their rivalry, of course, had serious stakes. Johnson’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA Championship. Then, in 2024, Clark and Iowa got their revenge in the Elite Eight.“I mean we tied, but I’m up, though,” Johnson joked. “Because we won in the [2023 NCAA] championship game.”
But when it comes to media reports, especially the ones trying to pit Clark against Angel Reese, Johnson’s LSU teammate, she wasn’t interested in taking sides. “Caitlin is having an incredible season this year, but both of them are smashing records. I really don’t like being caught up in that because I genuinely like both players… It feels like you can’t cheer for one without disliking the other. It’s like you have to pick a side.”
The timing of Johnson’s comments comes as Caitlin Clark guides a challenging second WNBA season. Clark led the Fever in scoring with 19 points per game before a recent quad injury sidelined her. She has missed the team’s last four games and will also sit out the upcoming matchup in Atlanta. The team is tentatively eyeing her return for Saturday’s game against the New York Liberty.
“She could just facilitate,” she said. “She’s like the best passer I think I’ve ever played against, ever in my life.” That kind of admiration coming from a competitor still in the college system says everything. Johnson confirmed her return to LSU back in April for her final season, but she’s already thinking ahead.
“That’s why I’m going to some Fever games this year,” she said with a grin. “Scope the scenario out.” When rivalries and games often take center stage, Flau’jae Johnson and Caitlin Clark are quietly showing what genuine respect and true growth can look like between two stars in the sport.
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