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Who Are the Tallest Opponents LeBron James Faced in His NBA Career Prior to His Match-Up With Victor Wembanyama?

Published 12/11/2023, 1:05 PM EST

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LeBron James had to overcome many challenges in his long career, but none as tall, literally, as the towering opponents who stood in his path. LeBron stands at 6 ft 9 and the stage is set as he clashes with the sensational Victor Wembanyama, whose registered height is 7 feet 4 inches. 

Before moving on to the modern giants that LeBron is facing, let’s take a stroll back to some notable opponents whom even LeBron fell short of defending. 

Notable opponents faced by LeBron James in terms of height

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The first on the list has to be Tim Duncan, a Spurs-era rivalry. Duncan is barely taller than LeBron by an inch. But the Spurs Big3 had shattered LeBron’s championship shots many times. The Cavaliers lost to Spurs in 2007 and again in 2014. Dwight Howard aka Superman’s rivalry with the King is legendary. Notably, in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. And the 6 ft 10 giant Howard led the Magic to a 4-2 series victory. 

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LeBron got another opportunity to reach the finals in 2011. This time he faced 7 ft German maestro Dirk Nowitzki. Bron fell short of a victory in front of Nowitzki. The Mavericks quickly seized control and LeBron’s championship aspirations were delayed for the next season. Bron took on Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant in the next season, both standing at 6ft 11. Yet, he clinched his first-ever championship and MVP award in 2012. 

LeBron had to hit the Pacers’ defensive wall Roy Hibbert in both 2013 and 2014 to win back-to-back championships. At 7 feet 2 inches, Hibbert posed a formidable defensive challenge. Led by the King, Miami beat the Pacers consecutively in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Modern giants in the NBA 

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LeBron James is NBA’s ageless wonder. Many of his contemporaries have retired, but James is not slowing down. Nikola Jokic is the modern freak of nature that LeBron has faced. Though Jokic might appear slow-footed, he is the most skilled tall man currently playing in the game. Joining the freaky list is Joel Embiid, who stands tall at 7ft 2. Embiid has all kinds of moves as LeBron has. 

READ MORE: “Don’t Really Pay Attention to That”: 6’6 Rookie Ditches Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren Comparisons for 2023 NBA ROTY Crown

Dubbed as a unicorn by many, Kristaps Porziņģis has a giant 7ft 3 frame. The Latvian-born can dominate both ends and have put on poster dunks on LeBron before. At 7 ft Chet Holmgren is a lethal rookie who can make big shots over LeBron. The Lakers will face the Spurs on Wednesday, December 13. The #1 draft pick of this year, Wemby, is projected to be the next big thing in the NBA. And LeBron has proved that he is here to dominate, regardless of the opponents’ size.

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Who will win this battle, Wemby or LeBron? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Chetan Kumar

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Chetan is an NBA content writer at Essentially Sports. Being an active basketball player since his school days, he has always been a dedicated follower of the NBA. His passion for the game has drove him to pursue a career in sports journalism.
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Edited by:

Ruth John