The first Lakers-Spurs matchup between LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama has not disappointed.
In the closing minute of the first half with Los Angeles trailing by nine points, the rookie Wembanyama guarded James in the corner.
James paused for several seconds, took one dribble and flicked up a high-arching shot over the 7'4" Wembanyama’s outstretched arm.
Swish.
The play resulted in an iconic photo of James and Wembanyama, a pair of generational talents taken at the top of their draft classes 20 years apart.
Iconic is right.
James now has faced every No. 1 draft pick since 1990 besides ‘91 top choice Larry Johnson, who retired in 2001.
That list includes everyone from Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber and Allen Iverson to Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero and now, the rookie sensation known as Wemby.
Wembanyama and James will meet again Feb. 23 when the Spurs visit the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
