A dominant performance by San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama should have been the biggest storyline of the night – but instead, a postgame comment from a former Los Angeles Lakers champion stole the spotlight.
After the Spurs crushed the Lakers 136-108 at Crypto.com Arena, Wembanyama delivered one of the most impressive outings of the season, scoring 40 points on 13-of-20 shooting while controlling the paint on both ends. Yet during the Spectrum SportsNet broadcast, retired forward Robert Horry cast doubt on the young phenom’s Most Valuable Player candidacy.
He’s not even in my top five. Because he hasn’t played enough games for me to be in my top five.
The statement quickly spread across social media, igniting debate among fans and analysts alike. Many pointed out that Wembanyama has been widely considered an MVP contender throughout the 2025-26 NBA season.
Horry doubled down moments later, suggesting the league may be rushing to crown the Spurs star as basketball’s next generational icon.
He’s too inconsistent for me, I think we trying to anoint him as the next great too fast. Don’t get me wrong, the kid is absolutely fantastic. But he ain’t no LeBron James, he ain’t no Kobe Bryant… I do have a vote [for MVP].
Backlash grows as fans defend Wembanyama’s historic production
The reaction was immediate. Critics argued the comparison to all-time legends was unnecessary, especially in a discussion centered on a single-season MVP award rather than career legacy.
Through roughly 40 appearances this year, Wembanyama has averaged about 29 points, 11 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game – numbers that place him among the most impactful two-way players in the league. The Spurs also sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, strengthening his candidacy.
Wemby’s 2025-26 campaign (so far):
- 24.2 PPG
- 11.1 RPG (career-high)
- 2.7 BPG (1st in NBA)
- NBA All-Star Starter Selection
- Kia West DPOTM in January
Supporters emphasized that MVP voting traditionally reflects current performance and team success, not whether a player has reached the historical level of icons like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.
Still, Horry’s comments reflect a broader conversation around expectations for the 7-foot-4 sensation. Ever since entering the NBA, Wembanyama has been labeled a future face of the league, bringing both extraordinary hype and intense scrutiny.
Former players often urge patience with young superstars, and Horry appears to fall into that camp – even if his wording sparked controversy.
Regardless of the criticism, Wembanyama’s performance against Los Angeles reinforced why many consider him a leading MVP candidate. Dominant scoring efficiency, elite rim protection and team success form a rare combination for a player so early in his career.
Whether voters ultimately agree with Horry or the broader basketball community, one thing is certain: the debate surrounding Wembanyama is no longer about potential – it’s about where he already ranks among the NBA’s elite this season.
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