Victor Wembanyama isn’t one for sentimental goodbyes - at least not yet.
During NBA All-Star Media Day at the Intuit Dome, the 22-year-old San Antonio Spurs phenom was asked if he’d shed a tear when LeBron James eventually calls it a career. His answer? Classic Wemby: cool, composed, and honest.
“I’m not going to shed a tear,” he said with a slight grin. “But it is going to be very weird for sure.”
Wemby on whether he cry when Lebron retires:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
"No" pic.twitter.com/dXHLb3eEtl
That moment of levity came as players across the league reflected on what could be LeBron’s final All-Star appearance - a milestone that feels surreal even to those sharing the court with him. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, never shy with his emotions, had a different take: “Am I going to shed a tear? I might cry a little bit,” he said with a laugh.
At 41 years old, LeBron is deep into his 23rd NBA season, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the box score. Through 36 games, he’s averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and a steal per night while shooting over 50% from the field.
He’s still logging over 33 minutes per game and making it look effortless. The Lakers, sitting at 33-21 heading into the All-Star break, continue to lean on him as a central force.
And just in case anyone needed a reminder of his greatness, James made history again Thursday night. In a 124-104 win over the Mavericks, he became the oldest player in league history to notch a triple-double - another line on a résumé that’s already bursting with superlatives.
Ant: "I might cry a little bit"
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
who th is asking this question??? https://t.co/sUFOBY7wPo pic.twitter.com/e66sP1tsus
Wembanyama, meanwhile, is carving out his own path - but he’s been watching. He’s spoken before about the lessons he’s drawn from LeBron’s longevity and the way he’s handled life as the face of the NBA. It’s not just about the numbers or the accolades; it’s about how James has carried himself under the relentless spotlight for two decades.
That’s the part Wemby seems to respect most - and perhaps the part he’s preparing for himself. As the NBA shifts into a new era, with young stars like Wembanyama poised to take the reins, the eventual departure of a figure like LeBron won’t just be emotional - it’ll be a seismic moment for the league.
So no, Wemby might not cry. But he knows what’s coming, and he knows it matters.