LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, is often hailed as one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. The four-time NBA champion, who possesses unparalleled basketball IQ, even at the age of 38, plays with a lot of speed and energy.
He is an efficient scorer who can score with ease from both within the three-point line and from beyond the arc. Despite his greatness, LeBron is a humble guy and appreciates greatness when he sees it. LeBron feels that Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs star, is worthy of praise.
LeBron James commends Victor Wembanyama’s talent
Victor Wembanyama left an impression on LeBron James after the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 129-115 on Friday night. “He’s a special talent and they’ve got a good one here,” he told reporters after the game, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Wembanyama finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks, while James finished with 23 points and a game-high 14 assists. In addition, the exceptional rookie finished with five assists of his own. The former No. 1 overall pick has consistently displayed the skill that had scouts enthralled with his potential when he was playing in France as a teenager, even though the Spurs were only able to secure their fourth victory of the season.
LeBron didn’t say much at all about Wemby following tonight’s game
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) December 16, 2023
Said nothing’s changed from when he’s praised Wemby before. Wemby believes LBJ was first to call him an ‘Alien’ because of his uniqueness. James says the 2 didn’t talk while Lakers were here
“A special talent”⬇️ pic.twitter.com/V2hs7BEblD
Wembanyama was already averaging 19.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 44 percent from the field per game before his double-double on Friday night. In addition, he had the second-highest block average in the league with 3.0 per game. Wembanyama and LeBron have already grown to respect one another.
James previously complimented the 7’4″ big man’s distinctive style of play following a game against the Phoenix Suns the previous season. “Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years, well he’s more like an alien,” he said, per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
“His ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers on the post, step-back 3s, catch-and-shoot 3s, block shots. He’s for sure a generational talent,” he later added.
Wembanyama shares candid experience facing LeBron James
Given that both Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James were top draft prospects, it is no secret that the two are frequently compared. Wemby was asked if he was “star struck” playing against LeBron for the first time:
“I thought I would feel some type of way but honestly, on the court, I was just trying to win. So, no, I didn’t have no type of feelings about it.
Wemby was asked if he was "star struck" playing against LeBron for the first time:
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 16, 2023
"I thought I would feel some type of way but honestly, on the court, I was just trying to win. So, no, I didn't have no type of feelings about it."pic.twitter.com/EqqRdELMCD
The career paths of the two are strikingly similar, despite being separated by 20 years. The play of yesterday simply confirmed the prevailing discourse, as numerous rumors regarding Wemby’s superiority over James were confirmed.
What are your thoughts on the Spurs victory over the Lakers? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
