Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James shared a notable moment at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Monday during the NBA Summer League, where both supported their teams. Despite San Antonio Spurs and LA Lakers not playing each other directly, Wembanyama and James exchanged warm greetings off the court, showing mutual respect.
Following their brief encounter, Wembanyama also politely greeted LeBron’s daughters, Zhuri and Savannah James, adding a familial touch to the meeting. The video capturing this interaction quickly spread across social media, sparking excitement among basketball fans eager to analyze the details of their exchange.
The Spurs’ 93-91 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz set the scene for this moment, with San Antonio improving to an undefeated 3-0 in Summer League play. Standout performances included Dylan Harper’s consistent 16 points and David Jones-Garcia’s team-high 28 points that helped secure the win. Conversely, LeBron’s Lakers experienced a 67-58 loss to the LA Clippers, despite Bronny James contributing 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
LeBron James humorously suggests Victor Wembanyama may prompt early retirement
Earlier in June, LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama appeared together on a special episode of The Shop podcast at Fanatics Fest, where a conversation about James’ future career sparked some lighthearted remarks. LeBron joked that regularly defending against Wembanyama’s skills might accelerate his decision to retire.
“I can’t play that much further,” LeBron James said. “As long as Wemby keeps smacking my f***ing shots into the stands, it’s gonna make me retire.”
—LeBron James, NBA Superstar
Wembanyama responded with a pragmatic outlook, estimating that James would likely remain active for at least two more years. NFL legend Tom Brady, also present, encouraged LeBron to continue competing, emphasizing the importance of setting enduring records that would challenge future players.
This interaction highlights the respect shared between the veteran LeBron James and the young rising star Victor Wembanyama, symbolizing a potential generational passing within the NBA. As fans witness Wembanyama’s impact on and off the court, his influence on James and the league’s future appears significant.