LeBron James heap praises on Victor Wemby and Coach Gregg Popovich, As Wemby Matches Michael Jordan Feat

24/02/2024 Raymond Basketball 0

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 123-118 the next night, led by LeBron James, to recover from their defeat to the Golden State Warriors in their first game following the All-Star break on February 22.

Following the match, James couldn’t help but be in awe of Victor Wembanyama, the rookie for the Spurs and the first overall choice.

“That kid is SPECIAL,” James exclaimed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on February 23.

Wembanyama recorded a 5×5 line at the end of the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals. The 7-foot-4 phenomenon recorded the 15th 5×5 line in NBA history at the youngest age ever, and in the fewest minutes ever.

“He doesn’t have a ceiling, he can do whatever he wants to do with his career,” James told reporters after the game. “He seems like he enjoys the game and seems like he puts the work [in], just from the outside looking in. Obviously, I’m not with him on a day-to-day basis. But I said it a long time ago how special he was, and it’s literally that simple.

“As far as havoc, you just got guys in our league that you have to account for any time you get around the rim or around the perimeter in our league history.

“He sits right at the top – if not, around the top – with all the greats.”

LeBron also lauded Wembanyama, After the Spurs defeated the Lakers in December, referring to him as a “special talent”. Wembanyama has expressed gratitude for James’ good remarks and has even accepted the characterization of James as an “alien.”

LeBron James injury: LA Lakers star uncertain to play against Victor Wembanyama and Spurs

Victor Wembanyama has ‘Unbelievable Coach’ in Gregg Popovich- LeBron James

James called Wembanayma “special” again during his walk-off interview. But he also made sure to tip his cap to Hall-of-Fame head coach Gregg Popovich.

“He has an unbelievable coach that’s going to make sure that he does things the right way, play the game the right way,” James told ESPN’s Mike Trudell.

“Just the utmost respect [for Popovich]. One of the greatest coaches of all time. But more importantly, one of the best people of all time that I’ve ever been around. And I love everything about Coach Pop. And you know to be able to share the floor with him, to be able to talk to him, and have a friendship that we have, it’s very special to me.

Popovich has a 31-28 record against James all-time, per Statmuse.