If you can attract the viewers, you will attract the media — exactly what Caitlin Clark has been doing, but not without hurdles. Some of this has been in the form of extreme physicality in the league, which is argued to be only an experience every rookie goes through. But for a few, the hard fouls against the Indiana Fever no.22 have been intentional, reflecting dislike. Quite a few NBA players have had their opinions on it and it continues with former LA Lakers star Robert Horry on Big Shot Bob podcast.

Appearing on the podcast, host Rob Jenners raised the point that it’s not as if Clark runs around asking for media attention. But it’s something that naturally comes to her. Adding to this chain of thought, Horry highlighted it’s not even as if all the attention is unwarranted. That it wasn’t going to someone who still has to prove it. But to someone who is already proving herself.

The Fever rookie has so far been averaging 19.2 points per game in the season and has claimed multiple records already — first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, fastest player to 400 points and 200 assists and most rookie points/assists double-doubles are just some from the long list.

And as highlighted by Horry, on the podcast, all of this comes despite multiple odds against her. “With half the league hating on her, with half the league of girls following her hard. And she’s still succeeding,” he said on the podcast.

As far as the media attention goes, her impact in the record-setting ticket sales for her own franchise, increase in merch sales, or rise in viewership for the WNBA, have all demanded it. All in all, things have not been the same for good ever since the ex-Hawkeyes star put on the Fever jersey. And with the fame and visibility has come jealousy of a few, another Lakers legend opines.

Shaquille O’Neal opens up on the reason behind WNBA’s alleged jealousy against Caitlin Clark

The 4x NBA champ recently shared his thoughts on why some WNBA players may feel jealous of Clark. Shedding light on an emotion some may find relatable—professional jealousy. But what exactly is fueling this? In an interview with USA Today, Shaq explained that there’s a difference between envy and professional jealousy.

He himself admitted to being professionally jealous of players like Steph Curry. Especially when considering their earnings. “He makes $60 million… But, hey, that’s life,” Shaq remarked, driving home the point that success often brings with it a natural comparison. Similarly, when it comes to Clark, it’s hard to ignore the numbers. She signed the most lucrative Nike endorsement deal for any female basketball athlete ever.

Her eight-year, $28 million deal amounts to $3.5 million annually. And that’s the side of her partnerships with Wilson and Gatorade. To put it into perspective, Clark earns more in one year from Nike than what some WNBA players could make throughout their entire careers.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.