Sep 26, 2022; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) speaks during Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Star LeBron James Makes Bold Victor Wembanyama Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 1:51 AM ET

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has a chance to be one of the premier superstars of the NBA over the next decade.

Right now, the 21-year-old is already among the best 25 players in the league.

Before Sunday's NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was asked about Wembanyama.

James (via theScore): "From the outside looking in, it seems like he has a great head on his shoulders. It seems like he loves the game, that he takes care of his body and the process and everything... I seen one quote that he said that nobody better not call him past 9 o'clock at night because he's either reading or asleep... I think he's been great for the franchise with the Spurs, but he's going to be great for our league for so many, so many years to come."

LeBron shows love to Wemby pic.twitter.com/es4mZsvvEJ
— theScore (@theScore) February 17, 2025

Wembanyama came into the All-Star break with averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.8 blocks per contest while shooting 47.6% from the field and 35.2% from the three-point range in 46 games.

Via StatMuse: "Wemby in his first All-Star appearance:

6 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 1 BLK
11 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK

First of many."

Wemby in his first All-Star appearance:

6 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 1 BLK
11 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK

First of many. pic.twitter.com/5XeVa668mB
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 17, 2025

As for James, he was at his 21st straight NBA All-Star Game.

That said, he did not play due to injury.

Via ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "LeBron James will not play in tonight’s All-Star Game, he says. He will rest, to help his lingering foot and ankle discomfort."

LeBron James will not play in tonight’s All-Star Game, he says. He will rest, to help his lingering foot and ankle discomfort.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 16, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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