LeBron James or Not, San Antonio Spurs Are Ready to Face Los Angeles Lakers
SAN ANTONIO — A storm is brewing for the San Antonio Spurs tonight.
Besides the gray-toned sky looming over the city that's hosting not one, but two generational superstars, all eyes will be on Frost Bank Center for the first-ever bout between Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James.
Yes. It's a media storm.
Since he was drafted, Wembanyama has taken the NBA world by — ready for it? — storm. Whether it was through viral stretching videos, one-of-a-kind highlights or even his down-to-earth personality that's time and again proven his uniqueness, he's become a household name in just his rookie season.
James, on the other hand, has been there, done that. He's faced the adversity that came with the expectations he was given entering the league, played more minutes than everyone in NBA history expect Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and faced off against countless foes, though arguably none more exciting than the Spurs' frontman.
"Everybody's been a unicorn over the last few years," James said of Wembanyama prior to his drafting. "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 upheld those errant expectations. He's led all rookies in steals, blocks, rebounds and points per game. He's tied for first in the league for blocks per game and he finds a way to make the highlight reel every time he's on the floor.
That's set to be ring true again against the James and the Lakers, though the media storm that Wednesday night promises is still hanging on one key factor:
James has to play.
Nov 26, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles in against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the second half at the AT&T Center.
© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
After facing the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night, the Lakers are slightly weathered. They're having to play two straight road games on back-to-back nights, and as such, both James and Anthony Davis are listed as questionable.
If held out, the long-awaited matchup between "The Extraterrestrial" and "The King" would be put on hold. But it wouldn't change much about the Spurs' approach.
"It definitely changes the game plan for them whether or not he plays," Collins said. "For us, a little, but ... we have to start winning games. We'll have a sense of urgency regardless."
Wembanyama might not have faced James and company yet, but his teammates have, and they're prepared to face the challenges that come with playing against one of the league's top rim attackers.
"The Lakers get a lot of points in the paint," Devin Vassell said. "They're going to attack the rim with LeBron and A.D. ... we've got to protect the rim."
So, with rim protection a top priority for the Spurs, they'll be sure to do all they can to slow down both James and Davis, which Vassell says starts with Wembanyama.
"Credit to him," Vassell said. "Playing the five right now, battling with [other] big men to get blocks and rebounds [while] still being effective and efficient. That's huge. He's a special talent ... and a hell of a player. We've just got to keep helping him out."
When Wembanyama lines up in the center circle to win another jump ball, he'll be ready to play. All eyes will be on him and — if he plays — LeBron James. The pressure is on for him as much as it is on the Spurs, who are still looking for a win to start their December season stretch.
But for Vassell specifically? He's not worried about whether or not he sees No. 23 line up on the other side of the court. Not at all.
"I'm ready to play," Vassell said. "That's all I know."
The Lakers and Spurs are set to tip off at 7 p.m. CT.
