LeBron James Salutes Spurs Guard Stephon Castle With Signed Jersey After Cup Upset
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LOS ANGELES — LeBron James offered a public show of respect to San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle on Wednesday night, handing the second-year player a signed jersey moments after the Spurs eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals at Crypto.com Arena.
The inscription, captured by NBA cameras and posted on X, read: “Love everything about you, Young King. Keep going up! Strive for Greatness.”
Castle, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and last season’s Rookie of the Year, delivered 30 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on 10-for-14 shooting to pace San Antonio’s 124-108 victory. The Spurs advanced to the tournament semifinals in Las Vegas despite playing without Victor Wembanyama, who remains sidelined by a calf strain.
James, 40, is in his 23rd NBA season and now routinely faces opponents who grew up watching him. After exchanging jerseys with Castle, the four-time champion praised the 21-year-old’s potential while the Spurs’ young core — Castle, Dylan Harper, De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama — continued to highlight the franchise’s long-term outlook.
The Lakers entered the night favored to move on, but head coach JJ Redick cited poor transition defense and point-of-attack coverage as Los Angeles fell behind early and never recovered. The loss ended the club’s NBA Cup run and added to questions about its championship credentials.
James finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
