While a discussion brews about who is the next face of the NBA, one retired pro is leaning towards a rival as his choice. 3x Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams had declared his choice for the GOAT. And now he has someone he thinks will live up to that superstar hype. The 37-year-old is overwhelmed by choice, particularly from across the pond. But he’s had enough matchups with this player to confidently bet on him.

Sweet Lou revealed who he thinks will carry the NBA torch during an appearance on?FanDuel TV. And his choice is not the most surprising either.

The former Lakers guard is high on a Celtics star’s future

When Jayson Tatum arrived in the NBA, Lou Williams was starting with the Los Angeles Clippers. They went head-to-head in 10 matchups and were near even till Williams retired in 2022. It was after a 2020 game where Tatum scored 39 points when Williams said he was clearly a leader of the team. That opinion hasn’t changed.

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On?FanDuel TV, Williams declared Tatum is the future of the league. “Right now I say Jayson Tatum is that guy who’s next up on that list of really taking over and being the frontrunner for the guy who’s going to be in the commercials, the guy who goes out and is the face of the NBA.”?

The Boston Celtics star is already the Player of the Week of the 2023-24 season Week 2 in the Eastern Conference. He’s had four All-Star appearances so far and is the most recent All-Star MVP. Analysts estimate that if he wins a championship or an MVP award, he’d really cement Williams’ claim.

His competition includes Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic. Williams named these two as well and was awed by Wemby. But if it’s not one of the European forces of nature dominating the NBA, Williams believes Tatum is the one.

The Celtics are the odds-on favorites to win this season because of a formidable roster. Tatum now has the powerhouse combination of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis on his side to make the possibility of his first championship a closer reality. And he might be making Williams’ prediction come true too.

Lou Williams is stuck on one icon

In a 17-year career spanning 2005 to 2022, Lou Williams has played with and against the NBA stars who ruled a generation, including Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But someone who remains undefeatable in his mind is LeBron James.

While he was on Fanduel TV, Williams declared, “The greatest of all time, give him his flowers,”?about the Los Angeles Lakers star who once introduced him to a hip-hop mogul. By his reasoning, James has maintained an elite level even in his 21st season.

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Williams is hoping for?Big Deuce?to reach?King James’?level and hopefully, this season is the start. Do you agree with him?