NBA Exec: Victor Wembanyama Not on LeBron James' Level as Prospect Ahead of Draft

While Victor Wembanyama is widely considered a generational NBA draft prospect, at least one executive believes the comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James are somewhat misplaced.

Speaking with HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the executive alluded to the issues Wembanyama could encounter due to his 7'2", 229-pound frame:

"Who was a better prospect? When you talk about LeBron, if you have the type of body that allows you to do what you do against anyone, that's an advantage. Victor can get his shot over anyone, which is an advantage, but there's a lack of physicality. LeBron could bully you and get to the rim, and his passing and playmaking were at a whole other level. I don't think Victor's on that level of a prospect, but I think he's the next best thing."

Putting the 19-year-old in the same conversation as James is unfair, even if it's within the context of evaluating where each was at a similar point in their careers.

LeBron going on to become of the greatest players in NBA history has further colored how we remember him coming out of high school. Nobody should be considered the "Next LeBron James" in the same way being the "Next Michael Jordan" could be the kiss of death for incoming rookies.

But that doesn't change the fact Wembanyama is almost without equal at this stage of his career. Sure, big men have become more versatile thanks to the demands of the modern-day NBA. Nobody has possessed Wembanyama's combination of size and athleticism.

Maybe LeBron was a better prospect. Whoever wins the 2023 NBA draft lottery probably isn't going to care.