LeBron James identifies 'compromising' Victor Wembanyama weakness ahead of Spurs-Thunder

LeBron James has unveiled his best plan to stop the hot-in-form Victor Wembanyama ahead of Game 3 in the Spurs-Thunder series.

James was recently swept in the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wembanyama’s opponents in the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder, reigning NBA champions, are tied 1-1 in the series heading into Game 3, after failing to win the first game in the Western Conference Finals courtesy of a herculean Wembanyama effort.

The Frenchman, only in his third NBA season, dropped a historic 41 points and 24 rebounds in 115-122 San Antonio Spurs victory that went into double overtime.

Despite a still valiant performance in Game 2, delivering 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks for the Spurs, the Thunder levelled the series with a 122-113 victory.

Ahead of tonight’s Game 3, in what is shaping up to be one of the greatest NBA playoffs series’ ever, James has identified what he believes to be the best way of stopping Wembanyama.

‘You have to put him in compromising positions’ says James

The 22-year-old stands at a remarkable 7 feet 4 inches, possessing arguably the greatest ever physical profile in NBA history.

The Frenchman is known for his blocking ability, averaging 3.1 blocks per game in the NBA regular season, with the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren in second place with just 1.9.

Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast, James said: “Obviously, the first thing that goes in my mind is… can you put five playmakers, five shooters out on the floor at one time with the size? And a lot of teams don't have that ability, but OKC has that ability.

"When he's overhelping at times, or they get broken down, guys have to be ready to catch and shoot. And ready to catch and play-make right away. Try to keep him above the break as much as possible.

"Whoever he's defending, if you have the right personnel, you have to stop allowing him to be the low man. It doesn't matter if it's the strong corner or the weak corner… it's so much easier for him to get there,” James continued.

Wembanyama described his battle in the series with two-time MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as personal after Game 1 against the Thunder, following fan outrage at the Frenchman being snubbed for the award.

The Thunder star responded in Game 2 by dropping 30-4-9, shooting at 50% from the field after putting up just 24 buckets in a double overtime loss in Game 1.

James continued: “You have to put him in compromising positions... If you're running a pick and roll, try to keep his man on the high side away from the double side.

"If he is trying to track the roller to the rim, then it's so much more of a longer closeout to get back to the slot or the top of the key. Because if you put him in pick-and-roll actions with a stretch four or a stretch five, or two guys that can do multiple things, then he has to guard the ball, and now you take away from his ability to be weak side,” he continued.

Whatever the solution is to the Wembanyama problem, perhaps the opinion of four-time champion and arguable NBA GOAT James should be considered by the Thunder.

The 22-year-old and his Spurs team-mates return to action tonight at the Frost Bank Centre in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.