As the NBA All-Star Weekend unfolds at the brand-new Intuit Dome, one of the league’s brightest young stars is taking a moment to reflect-not just on his own meteoric rise, but on the path blazed by one of the game’s all-time greats.
Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old phenom anchoring the San Antonio Spurs, spoke candidly during All-Star Media Day about the influence LeBron James has had on his understanding of what it truly means to be the face of the NBA. And for a player already drawing comparisons to the league’s legends, Wembanyama’s words carried weight.
“He’s very intelligent in those areas,” Wembanyama said, referring to James’ ability to handle the spotlight. “Obviously being the face of the league-and in two decades, very few mistakes, very few PR mistakes. That definitely takes some intelligence.”
It’s not just about the stats or the highlight reels. For Wembanyama, LeBron’s legacy is about the full package: sustained greatness, media savvy, and the rare ability to carry the league’s brand with grace and consistency.
“There’s many things to take from him,” he added. “I never had the chance to spend time with him to have a full discussion, and I would love to talk to him… I don’t know how many millions of basketball players are on Earth, and all of them can learn something from LeBron.”
That’s not just admiration-it’s a clear sign that Wembanyama is studying the blueprint.
And make no mistake, he’s already putting the pieces together. Now in his third NBA season, Wembanyama is putting up numbers that demand attention: 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 blocks, and a steal per game.
He’s doing it efficiently too, shooting 51.1% from the field and hitting 36.3% from beyond the arc. That’s elite production on both ends of the floor, and it’s helping power a Spurs team that’s suddenly looking like a legitimate force in the West.
"He's very intelligent... Very few PR mistakes. I think that definitely takes some intelligence... I would love to [talk to him about that]... All of them can learn something from LeBron."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026
Victor Wembanyama on LeBron James' impact as the face of the NBA.pic.twitter.com/o94wUlNMdy
San Antonio heads into the All-Star break with a 38-16 record, riding a six-game winning streak and sitting comfortably in second place in the conference. The Spurs’ resurgence has only added fuel to the conversation around Wembanyama’s growing stature-and whether he might be next in line to carry the NBA torch.
That conversation reached a new level earlier this week when former NBA center and current analyst Kendrick Perkins went on record during an episode of NBA Today, calling Wembanyama the new face of the league. Perkins pointed to Wembanyama’s production, his global appeal, and his willingness to embrace the spotlight as signs that the league’s future is already here.
It’s easy to see why the hype is building. Wembanyama isn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer-he’s a 7-foot-4 matchup nightmare who can protect the rim, stretch the floor, and handle the ball like a guard.
But what separates him from other rising stars is the way he talks about legacy. He’s not just trying to dominate the game-he’s trying to understand what it takes to lead it.
And that’s where LeBron comes in.
Now in his 22nd season, James continues to set the standard-not just with his play, but with his poise. He’s navigated the highs and lows of superstardom for over two decades, all while remaining one of the most consistent forces the league has ever seen.
For Wembanyama, that’s the model. Excellence on the floor, professionalism off it, and the kind of leadership that transcends box scores.
As the NBA prepares to turn the page to a new era, the moment feels symbolic. LeBron, still going strong, but clearly in the twilight of his historic career.
Wembanyama, just getting started, but already showing signs of something special. The baton hasn’t been passed yet-but the conversation is happening.
And if Wembanyama keeps producing like this, it won’t be long before he’s not just learning from LeBron’s example-he’s building a legacy of his own.