In the battle of the rookie and the veteran, the young Victor Wembanyama was no match for the legendary LeBron James — at least on one shot.
As the Lakers and the Spurs battled it out in a Western Conference clash on Friday night in which the Spurs ultimately came out on top 129-115, James found himself covered in the corner by the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, but the 2003 No. 1 pick was unfazed by the large wingspan.
With a little over 51 seconds to go in the first half at Frost Bank Center, James held onto the ball as the 2023 top pick covered him on the near side of the court.
James, eyeing the net from the corner, fired up a shot over an outstretched Wembanyama, sending a high arc toward the hoop.
As it landed in the net for a 3-pointer, the San Antonio crowd cheered in a mix of what seemed like awe and disbelief.
The Lakers beat the Spurs on Wednesday, but James did not play, which made Friday’s matchup the first time the two ever faced off against each other.
The two both put on strong performances, as the Lakers star finished with a double-double, collecting 23 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds.
The French rookie had a double-double of his own, adding 13 points, 15 rebounds and five assists as he helped the Spurs snap their 18-game losing streak.
He added two steals and two blocks in the victory.
While they didn’t face off until Friday, earlier in the week, Wembanyama praised James.
“He’s an icon and just somebody that as a kid you see on TV all the time,” Wembanyama said, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
“Of course, it’s going to feel even more special.”
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