Victor Wembanyama may have officially taken the torch from LeBron James as the face of the NBA, at least according to Stephen A. Smith.After Wembanyama captured Defensive Player of the Year and led the San Antonio Spurs all the way to the NBA Finals, Smith believes the 7-foot-4 superstar has reached a point where he now sits at the forefront of the league.I think at this particular moment in time its Victor Wembanyama, Smith said during an appearance with VT Gen Z, according to ClutchPoints Zachary Draves. But up until he arrived, I think you could still make an argument it was LeBron James. I think LeBron James is still the preeminent face in the game based on his credentials, his resume, his lengthy history, but Wembanyama has definitely arrived, and the Wemby era is definitely here even though he just lost in the Finals.Its a significant statement considering James has occupied that position for more than two decades.Since entering the NBA straight out of high school in 2003, James has become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world while building a resume that includes championships, MVP awards and virtually every major milestone imaginable.Smith isnt dismissing that legacy. In fact, he acknowledged James remains the leagues preeminent face because of everything he has accomplished throughout his career.But Wembanyama is quickly building his own case.The French stars combination of size, mobility, shooting and defensive ability has made him one of the NBAs most unique players, and his latest season pushed him further into the spotlight.Winning Defensive Player of the Year was one thing. Taking San Antonio to the Finals gave Wembanyama his first opportunity to perform on basketballs biggest stage, even though the Spurs ultimately fell short of winning the championship.Now, Smith believes the transition is already happening.James place in NBA history isnt going anywhere, but after years of waiting for the leagues next defining superstar to emerge, Smith says Wembanyama has arrived.READ MORE: Paul George Gets Honest About Replacing Jaylen Brown
