Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is currently heading towards the end of his illustrious career in the NBA. The question is, who will replace him as ‘the face of the NBA’?
James’ influence transcends professional basketball. He is a household name, even with people who do not ordinarily follow the sport.
He has become a beloved figure with sports bettors, many of whom have made a healthy profit due to James’ stellar efforts on the basketball court.
Comparison platforms such as bettingtop10.com are inundated with punters whenever James plays, highlighting his popularity with the betting fraternity.
While the next generation of NBA stars will not find it easy to achieve the same status as James, there are a handful who potentially have the ability to hit similar heights.
Read on as we take a closer look at some of the NBA players who could become the face of the league if they continue their current upward trajectory.
Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama does not feel like a prospect any more. The Frenchman is already a dominant force in the league.
His numbers read like a statistical glitch, but they don't even tell the full story of his impact on the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama is the kind of player who forces the hierarchy to rethink how they draft and construct their rosters. He makes coaches rejig their game plan.
Spurs are currently going well in the Western Conference. They have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder twice this season, highlighting their title credentials.
Wembanyama looks physically and psychologically ready to take Spurs beyond the slump that has held them back for several years.
His combination of length, versatility, defensive dominance and charisma puts him in a prime position to be the next face of the league.
Dylan Harper - San Antonio Spurs
The story of Spurs’ renaissance isn't about Wembanyama alone. The addition of 2025 second overall draft pick Dylan Harper has bolstered the squad.
Harper brings intensity in every game. He is not one to dominate the highlight reel, but he simply does all the intangibles well.
He can use screens, manage the pace and relieve the offensive burden on his teammates, earmarking himself as one of the most intelligent players around.
The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper is not the finished article. His jumper needs work, but head coach Mitch Johnson has built an ecosystem that will allow him to refine his game.
The highly touted recruit from Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey is the kind of secondary star dynasties need.
Alex Sarr - Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr enters the debate after taking the NBA by storm in his first season. He is one of the most underappreciated young players in the league - a potential franchise-changing talent.
The December 2024 Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month made quite a mark after being drafted second in the 2024 draft by the Washington Wizards.
He remains one of the most productive young players in the NBA despite the Wizards’ concerning position on the Eastern Conference table.
Sarr protects the rim well while being an efficient scorer and a major threat from the perimeter. He is modern centre whose combination of size and skill makes him quite the prospect.
If he can improve his three-point shooting volume, Washington may have the player to lift them out of the doghouse they are in.
VJ Edgecombe - Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe has continued to improve in leaps and bounds, adding different facets to his game to establish himself as a standout prospect.
He is becoming a stellar playmaker. Add that to his athleticism and tendency to step up in big games and Edgecombe is one to watch.
Edgecombe has explosiveness and defensive awareness in his arsenal. His ceiling is high, and he could take the team to the NBA championship.
The Bahamian star still needs to improve his efficiency and polish his overall game, but he has all the tools to suggest he will be a crucial cog in the 76ers’ machine.
If he continues to improve, Edgecombe could easily become a standout star in the NBA.
Cooper Flagg - Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg arrived in the league with plenty of expectation on his shoulders and he seems unfazed by it. He is as confident as James on and off the court.
He has taken on responsibility on both ends of the floor, which makes him a tantalising prospect. Flagg has filled the big hole left by Luka Doncic, which is no mean feat.
Flagg was tied with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets for most points per game among rookies (19.1) after 39 matches. He was averaging 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
He excels most in transition, scooping rebounds and driving into space. He also backs players down in the post just as easily as he laces mid-range jumpers.