Lakers' LeBron James Praises 'Special' Victor Wembanyama: Spurs 'Got a Good One Here'
LeBron James was impressed with Victor Wembanyama following the San Antonio Spurs' 129-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
"He's a special talent and they've got a good one here," he told reporters after the game, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
James finished with 23 points and a game-high 14 assists, while Wembanyama recorded 13 points and 15 rebounds to go along with two blocks. The standout rookie also finished with five assists of his own.
Although the Spurs were only able to secure their fourth win of the season, the former No. 1 overall pick has repeatedly flashed the talent that had scouts enamored with his potential when he was playing in France as a teenager.
Prior to Friday night's double-double, Wembanyama was already averaging 19.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. He also recorded 3.0 blocks per game, the second-highest mark in the league.
The two have already developed a mutual respect for one another. James has praised the 7'4" big man before, complimenting his unique style of play after a matchup with the Phoenix Suns last season.
"Everybody's been a unicorn over the last few years, well he's more like an alien," he said, per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
"His ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers on the post, step-back 3s, catch-and-shoot 3s, block shots. He's for sure a generational talent," he later added.
In a Feb. interview with Andy Nesbitt of Sports Illustrated, Wembanyama expressed his appreciation for the nickname.
"First of all, I'm really glad he said that because I didn't like to be called a unicorn," Wembanyama said. "I like it because it's just something not from this world. I like being called an alien, yeah. It's really what I'm working to be—something unique and original."
The next chance for James and Wembanyama to face off will occur on Feb. 23, when the Spurs travel to Crypto.com arena for a matchup with Los Angeles.
