For more than two decades, LeBron James has been one of the NBA’s constant figures. He’s playing in his 23rd season, which is an NBA record, and is set to appear in his 22nd All-Star Game, also a record. The league’s all-time leading scorer, James owns four championships and is still capable of taking over a game on any given night.
Whenever he finally decides to walk away, it will be an emotional day for many fans who have grown up watching him dominate. But not everyone expects to get emotional.
Victor Wembanyama Shares How He Will React When LeBron James Retires
During All-Star media availability, Victor Wembanyama was asked whether he would shed a tear when King James retires.
His answer was short and direct.
“No.”
He then added, “I am not going to shed tears, but it is going to be very weird for sure.”
That response perfectly captures the generational shift happening in the league. Wembanyama, 22, is younger than James’ NBA career. The Lakers superstar has literally been in the league longer than the Spurs phenom has been alive as an adult. While James is in Year 23, Wembanyama is only in his third season.
Both will share the spotlight at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome, LA.
Wembanyama has been selected as a starter for the Western Conference, marking his second straight All-Star nod and first as a starter. He’s averaging 24.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game and will suit up for the World team.
James, meanwhile, did not earn a starting spot for the first time in 21 consecutive All-Star selections. He finished eighth in fan voting with just over 1.8 million votes but was ultimately selected as a reserve by NBA coaches. He will play for Team USA.
Age may be creeping in — James dealt with sciatica early in the 2025-26 season and missed 14 straight games. But his production remains impressive. He’s averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.
Even so, the league is clearly transitioning, and James’ retirement is only coming closer. Whether he could play one more season is up in the air, but James finally pulling the curtain on his outstanding NBA career will surely be a heartbreak for millions.
For years, All-Star Weekend revolved around James. Now, players like Wembanyama are stepping into leading roles. The young Spurs star respects what James has done, but his reaction shows he’s focused forward, not backward.
For Wembanyama and the NBA’s next generation, James’ eventual exit will signal that the future has officially arrived and that it’s their time to take over.
