LeBron James shuts off the Victor Wembanyama hype. The Los Angeles Lakers took on the struggling San Antonio Spurs at the Crypto.com arena. The game naturally had its hype because of the James-Wemby contest. But what actually transpired was a comfortable win for the LA side. However, the audience did get to experience glimpses rising star’s greatness. At one point, the French baller even blocked James’ three-pointer with his long wingspan.
Following the game, speaking of the 20-year-old rookie, King James said, “Let’s not get it twisted, he’s not the first guy who’s had an impact as a rookie,” reminding the reporters of the 2003 NBA first pick.
"Let's not get it twisted, he's not the first guy who's had an impact as a rookie"
– LeBron James on Victor Wembanyama
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) February 24, 2024
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However, before getting there to shut off the rookie, LeBron James did praise the rookie for the performances he has put up throughout the season. The Akron Hammer stressed that Wemby “has no ceiling” and has the potential to go further and beyond. He later went on to name the rookies, who have impressed him in his career.
LeBron James says Victor Wembanyama “has no ceiling” and also rattled off some of the most impressive rookies he’s seen in his career: Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Tyreke Evans among them pic.twitter.com/qkgtvf2E6m
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 24, 2024
The superstar named Zion Williamson, Blake Griffin, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Tyreke Evans as some of the rookies, who made a great impression in their debut season. Furthermore, he went on to credit Wemby’s height and long hands as a standout feature, comparing the other rookies. He added, “How tall he is and his length… even more than AD. That’s what makes it a little bit different.”
Notably, this interaction with the reporters came in after King James out scored the rookie, dropping 30 points with 7 rebounds and 9 assists to register a comfortable 123-118 win over the Spurs.
Read More – LeBron James Accused Of Playing Fiddle With 19YO Son’s Future, As Per NCAA Insider
In the meantime, Wembanyama also had a historical night and joined an elite NBA list.
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Victor Wembanyama joins NBA’s elite list
It has been an exhibition of blocks and dunks whenever Wembanyama takes on the court. But, tonight he did something more than that and eventually finding himself a spot in the history. Tonight, he recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks. He became the 15th player in the history of the league to record 5×5 stats. In simple terms, recording at least 5 in every stat. And, it is the 22nd instance of such an occurrence.
With his performance tonight, Victor Wembanyama becomes the 15th player and the 22nd instance in NBA history to record a 5×5 (PTS-REB-AST-STL-BLK) game, since 1973-74 when blocks and steals became official.
At 20y, 50d old, he is the youngest player since tracking began to have… pic.twitter.com/ohupheK5mA
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 24, 2024
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He also went on to become the youngest player in the league to record such stats and also the second player to achieve this feat with 25+ points in a game. It was achieved four times before by Hakeem Olajuwon in the past. With this type of numbers, Wemby will definitely be a lethal force in the future. Will Wemby go on to become a greatest of all-time? Let us know in the comments.