Whether or not LeBron James is on the court, the San Antonio Spurs are prepared to take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
The availability of LeBron James is uncertain as he is listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs. However, Devin Vassell and the Spurs are not overly concerned about whether James plays, even if it means delaying the much-anticipated matchup between James and Victor Wembanyama.
SAN ANTONIO — A storm is brewing for the San Antonio Spurs tonight.
Apart from the overcast sky gracing the city, where not just one but two generational superstars are set to clash, all attention will be focused on the Frost Bank Center for the historic showdown between Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James.
Indeed, it’s a media frenzy.
Since his draft, Wembanyama has stormed the NBA world—thanks to viral stretching videos, unparalleled highlights, and a down-to-earth personality showcasing his unique qualities. All of this has made him a household name in his rookie season.
In contrast, James has navigated through it all. He’s tackled the challenges that accompanied the lofty expectations bestowed upon him at the start of his career, logged more minutes than anyone in NBA history except Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and encountered numerous adversaries—arguably none more captivating than the Spurs’ standout.
“Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years,” James commented on Wembanyama before his draft. “Well, [Victor] is more like an alien. I’ve never seen, no one’s ever seen anyone as tall as he is, but it’s [as] fluid and as graceful as [he is] on the floor.”
Wembanyama has exceeded those lofty expectations, topping all rookies in steals, blocks, rebounds, and points per game. He’s currently tied for first in the league for blocks per game, consistently making the highlight reel each time he takes the court.
The narrative is poised to continue against James and the Lakers, although the media storm that Wednesday night holds hinges on one crucial factor: James must play.
Following their game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, the Lakers are somewhat fatigued, contending with back-to-back road games. Consequently, both James and Anthony Davis are questionable for the upcoming matchup. If they are unable to play, the highly anticipated showdown between “The Extraterrestrial” and “The King” would be delayed. However, this situation is not expected to alter the Spurs’ strategy significantly.
Collins acknowledged that the potential absence of James could alter the Lakers’ game plan, but he emphasized that the Spurs must prioritize winning games and maintain a sense of urgency regardless. While Wembanyama himself has not yet faced James and the Lakers, his teammates have, and they are ready to confront the challenges posed by one of the league’s premier rim attackers.
Vassell highlighted the Lakers’ proficiency in scoring in the paint, emphasizing the need for the Spurs to defend the rim effectively, especially against the drives of James and A.D.
Given that rim protection is a key focus for the Spurs, they are determined to make every effort to impede the progress of both James and Davis. Vassell emphasized that the defensive effort begins with Wembanyama.
Acknowledging Wembanyama’s contributions, Vassell praised his ability to play at the center position, engaging in battles with opposing big men to secure blocks and rebounds while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency. Vassell emphasized Wembanyama’s exceptional talent, labeling him as a special player, and expressed the team’s commitment to supporting him in their defensive efforts.
