After the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 129-115 on Friday night, LeBron James commended Victor Wembanyama.
James stated, “He possesses exceptional talent, and the Spurs have a valuable asset in him,” as conveyed by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
During the game, James scored 23 points with a game-high 14 assists, while Wembanyama contributed 13 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and five assists. Despite the Spurs securing only their fourth win of the season, the former No. 1 overall pick continues to display the skills that impressed scouts during his teenage years in France.
Before Friday night’s outstanding performance, Wembanyama was already averaging 19.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game with a 44 percent field goal shooting rate. Additionally, he recorded 3.0 blocks per game, the second-highest in the league.
🤯 𝗟𝗔 𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗥 que LeBron James est allé chercher sur ce shoot, pour éviter le contre de Victor Wembanyama !
— Basket USA 🏀 (@basketusa) December 16, 2023
🌈🌈🌈 pic.twitter.com/pevBTDRXLJ
The duo has already developed a mutual admiration. James has previously commended the 7’4″ big man, extolling his unique playing style after a encounter with the Phoenix Suns last season.
“While everyone has been labeled a unicorn in recent years, he’s more like an alien,” he stated, as conveyed by Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
Discussing Wembanyama’s abilities, James remarked, “His capability to handle the ball, execute step-back jumpers in the post, step-back 3s, catch-and-shoot 3s, and block shots. He’s unquestionably a generational talent.”
In a February interview with Andy Nesbitt of Sports Illustrated, Wembanyama expressed his approval of the nickname.
“First of all, I’m really glad he said that because I didn’t like to be called a unicorn,” Wembanyama noted. “I like it because it’s just something not from this world. I like being called an alien, yeah. It’s really what I’m working to be—something unique and original.”
The upcoming clash between James and Wembanyama is scheduled for February 23 when the Spurs visit Crypto.com Arena for a matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
ALSO READ:
- LeBron’s season high; Durant shines in OT: NBA Recap
- Lakers vs. Kings live: LeBron and Davis injuries, scouting reports
- LeBron’s vintage play lifts Lakers over Durant’s Suns
