Fans marveled at the moment—an epic collision of the NBA's past and future—and fawned over Wembanyama’s potential: Wembanyama finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists while James recorded his sixth triple-double of his age-40 season. The Lakers and Spurs will meet again two more times this season in Jan. 11 and 13.

After 8-of-16 3-point shooting was instrumental in the first 50-point game of the 20-year-old’s young career in a win over the Washington Wizards on Nov. 13, fellow long-range bomber Julian Champagnie, 38 of 111 on 3s this season, endorsed Wembanyama’s emulation of Steph Curry.

There are many ways to assess and analyze the possibilities for, and trajectory of, Victor Wembanyama's burgeoning career. But the most interesting, and perhaps most telling, might be through the lens of the all-time great he plays against Wednesday night: LeBron James.