by If you pay attention, you may notice that history repeats itself in the NBA.
In 2003, LeBron James was the most hyped design perspective of the competition in a long time and he entered the competition as a teenager with astronomical expectations. Twenty years later, Victor Wembanyama entered the competition as the most hyped design perspective since James, and at the age of 19, he was on similar expectations.
Just like James, it didn’t take long before Wembanyama did everything that was expected of him and something. And just like James, Wembanyama will make his all-star debut during his second season in the competition.
The unprecedented lifespan of James means that he will still be in action when Wembanyama makes his all-star debut, making this connection much stronger. While Wembanyama continues his route to the greatness of all time, this is how his first All-Star season relates to James’.
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Victor Wembanyama vs. LeBron James Stats
Here is a look at the Wembanyama statistics by 45 games in his second NBA season and James’ figures during the NBA season 2004-05.
| Status | Wembanyama | James |
| Age | 21 | 20 |
| Ppg | 24.4 | 27.2 |
| RPG | 11.0 | 7.4 |
| APG | 3.6 | 7.2 |
| SPG | 1.2 | 2.2 |
| BPG | 3.9 | 0.7 |
| FG% | 47.7 | 47.2 |
| 3p% | 35.5 | 35.1 |
| Ft% | 83.4 | 75.0 |
Coming from a Rookie of the year, James made a superstar jump in his second NBA season and positioned himself to be considered an All-Star and an All-NBA selection under the NBA’s Elite.
Wembanyama was named Rookie of the Year in 2024 and has now made the leap to be considered one of the top 10 players of the competition (in the worst case), although he is probably closer to a top five player.
With an impressive season that is already under his belt, Wembanyama will have two months from the NBA season to give a bow for a campaign that will probably end with an All-NBA nod, the selection of the team for All defensive teams and possibly defending player of the year honors.
But first is the all-star debut.
The well-documented debut of James was remarkable Hij was voted as an All-Star starter and ended with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals in a 10-point victory for the Eastern Conference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Q8OSFLWC8
The format will be much different in 2025, but if we use James’s career as a basis, it is fair to expect even more big things from Wembanyama when he first gets up the All-Star stage.
This year’s festivities may not be a coronation of Wembanyama, but they should serve as a new memory that he has arrived and will be a force for years to come. Maybe even during his 22nd NBA season.
