San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made it clear on Saturday that he won't be emotional when Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James finally retires.
Speaking during NBA All-Star Media Day at the Intuit Dome, Wembanyama was asked if he would shed tears when James walked away from the game.
"No." Laugh
Then he added:
"I won't shed tears but it's definitely going to be very awkward."
Wembley on whether he cries when LeBron retires:
"No" pic.twitter.com/dXHLb3eEtl
- Oh no, he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026
The light-hearted exchange came as players reflected on sharing what could potentially be James' final All-Star appearance. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was asked the same question and gave a different response.
"Am I going to shed tears? I might cry a little." Laugh.
Ant: "I could cry a little"
Who is asking this question??? https://t.co/sUFOBY7wPo pic.twitter.com/e66sP1tsus
- Oh no, he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026
The 41-year-old James is currently in his 23rd NBA season and continues to produce at a high level for the Lakers. Through 36 games, he has averaged 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 contest. Los Angeles enters the weekend with a 33-21 record.
On Thursday night, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in the Lakers' 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, adding to a resume that spans two decades.
Wembanyama has previously spoken about what he can learn from James' longevity and professionalism, calling him an example of how to navigate the spotlight as the face of the league. As the NBA enters a new era, the 22-year-old centerpiece of the Spurs is widely viewed as one of the league's future standard-bearers.
Whether emotional or not, Wembanyama acknowledged that James' eventual departure will mark a significant change in the NBA landscape.
