Lakers champion offers advice to Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA to a level of fanfare not seen since LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs rookie has the expectations of an entire fan base on his shoulders. 

At 7-foot-4 with a perimeter jump shot and the dribbling skills of a guard, Wembanyama was expected to hit the ground running. However, over the first quarter of the season, the rookie has had his fair share of ups and downs.

During a recent postgame press conference, Los Angeles Lakers champion Anthony Davis was asked about Wembanyama's season so far. Davis, a former first overall pick himself, offered some words of wisdom for the 19-year-old phenom. 

“You’ve just got to go in and just play, find your way,” Davis said. “You’re going to have ups and downs in the season. Obviously, he’s an exceptional talent. But don’t stress yourself out over the pressure from everyone else...You’ve got to know what your team wants from you. And don’t think that you have to turn the franchise around in one year.”

Wembanyama has played 21 games in the NBA. He's averaging 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 blocks while shooting 43.1% from the field and 25% from three-point range. However, the rookie big man has been unable to prevent an 18-game losing streak (and counting) as the Spurs continue to search for a winning formula with their current crop of talent. 

Still, San Antonio's shortcomings can't be held against Wembanyama. Until this season, he was playing basketball in the French professional leagues. The step up in athleticism, talent and physicality was always going to ensure a steep learning curve for the impressive rookie. 

Wembanyama would be wise to heed Davis' advice. Focusing on the long term while incrementally improving his game is the best path forward. Of course, that's easier said than done. Wembanyama will likely feel the pressure and will want to help his team snap its wretched run. 

Learning to deal with that pressure while still focusing on what you can control and how you can improve will be one of Wembanyama's biggest lessons from his debut season in the NBA.