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.

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.

The San Antonio Spurs are slowly but steadily finding their groove. Despite not having Gregg Popovich on the sidelines, the team has fared better lately. That has everything to do with Victor Wembanyama leading the way for them.