Victor Wembanyama says he won’t cry when LeBron James retires
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Vembanyama made it clear on Saturday that he he will not become emotional when Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is finally retiring.
Speaking during NBA All-Star Media Day at the Intuit Dome, Wembanyama was asked if he would shed a tear when James exited the game.
“No.” laughing
Then he added:
“I’m not going to shed a tear, but it’s going to be very strange for sure.”
Wemby on whether he cries when LeBron retires:
“no” pic.twitter.com/dKSHLb3eEtl
— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
A light-hearted exchange ensued as the players pondered sharing what could potentially be James’ final All-Star appearances. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards the same question was asked and a different answer was offered.
“Will I shed a tear? I might cry a little.” laughing.
Ant: “I could cry a little”
who is asking you this question??? https://t.co/sUFOBI7vPo pic.twitter.com/e66sP1tsus
— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
James, 41, is currently in his 23rd NBA season and continues to produce at a high level for the Lakers. In 36 games, he is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range in 33.3 minutes per game. Los Angeles enters the weekend 33-21.
On Thursday night, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in The Lakers’ 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericksfurther adding to a resume spanning two decades.
Vembanjama spoke about it earlier what can he learn from James’ longevity and professionalismcalling him an example of how to navigate the spotlight as the face of the league. As the NBA moves into a new era, the Spurs’ 22-year-old center is seen as one of the league’s future standard bearers.
Whether emotional or not, Wembanyama acknowledged that James’ eventual departure would mark a significant shift in the NBA landscape.
2026-02-14 21:04:00
