- LeBron hit a high arcing shot on the stepback into Wembanyama's face
- But it was the 19-year-old who had the last laugh as Spurs had the upper hand
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
LeBron James showed Victor Wembanyama exactly why he's considered one of the best to ever do it when the basketball legend and rookie faced off for the first time on Friday night.
Ultimately, though, it was Spurs rookie Wembanyama who had the last laugh as San Antonio claimed a 129-115 victory over LeBron's Lakers at AT&T Center.
Late in the second quarter of Friday's game, LeBron gave the 19-year-old a taste of his greatness when he hit a high-arcing three-pointer on the stepback that flew right over his younger rival.
Although that bit of individual brilliance was ultimately in vain as Wembanyama recorded 13 points and 15 rebounds in an eventual win for the Spurs.
Devin Vassell also had 36 points as the hosts snapped an 18-game losing skid.
LeBron James showed Victor Wembanyama exactly why he's considered one of the best to ever do it when they faced off for the first time on Friday night
But Wembanyama had the last laugh as the Spurs claimed a 129-115 victory over the Lakers
LeBron scored 23 points and 10 rebounds on a disappointing night for his team in San Antonio
LeBron himself scored 23 points and 10 rebounds in his return after missing Wednesday's game with a bruised left calf.
Anthony Davis was out with a hip injury on Wednesday after scoring 37 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Lakers' 122-119 win over the Spurs. Los Angeles was also without D'Angelo Russell (migraines) and Cam Reddish (right knee soreness).
The win was San Antonio's first since beating Phoenix on November 2. It was the longest losing streak in franchise history, surpassing last season's 16-game skid.
The NBA In-Season Tournament champion Lakers played their third game in four nights.
Keldon Johnson had 17 points and Zach Collins added 16 points for the Spurs.
The Lakers tried to counter Davis' absence with a balanced scoring effort. Austin Reaves had 22 points and Rui Hachimura added 20.
San Antonio raced to a double-digit lead four minutes into the game and had a 49-24 advantage three minutes into the second quarter on Doug McDermott's three-pointer.
That 25-point lead quickly faded as the Lakers went on a 38-17 run early in the second quarter. Christian Wood pushed Wembanyama aside for a layup that cut the Spurs lead to 66-62 with 19 seconds left in the first half.
Wood's dunk sparked an 8-0 run from 88-80 with four minutes left in the third quarter.