LeBron James Points to Victor Wembanyama’s Uncommon Skills, Not Just Size
lebron-james-points-to-victor-wembanyamas-uncommon-skills-not-just-size
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says the excitement surrounding 7-foot-5 rookie Victor Wembanyama goes far beyond the teenager’s towering frame.
Speaking on the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, James rejected the idea that height alone explains the San Antonio Spurs center’s early impact.
“He’s not the first guy in our league that’s been tall,” James said. “Yes, length is a factor, especially on defense, but what makes him different is everything he can do with the ball.”
James listed a series of plays already seen from the No. 1 overall pick: isolations against multiple Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, snatch-back dribbles, spin moves, up-and-unders, dream shakes and corner step-back three-pointers. He also praised Wembanyama’s ability to catch the ball with his back to the rim, locate the basket in midair and finish before landing, calling the coordination “something we’ve never seen before.”
The four-time MVP emphasized the rookie’s basketball IQ and focus, comparing his mindset to past Spurs greats David Robinson and Tim Duncan. “They have these horse blinders on—the mission is the mission and that’s all that matters,” James said.
Wembanyama entered the NBA on Nov. 27, 2024, facing expectations not seen since James was drafted in 2003. Through the opening weeks of the season, the 20-year-old has already produced highlights that back up the hype, drawing praise from one of the few players who understands such scrutiny firsthand.
James, now a 23-year veteran, may have played his final game against the Spurs rookie. The 39-year-old forward is weighing retirement and holds an unrestricted free-agency option this summer, telling listeners he will evaluate his future once the season ends.
Source: LakersNation.com
