"Absolutely crapping their pants": Zach Lowe Sees Warriors, Lakers, Growing Uneasy amid Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Steep Ascension

Most NBA insiders projected Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to win around 42-44 games this season. In the unforgiving Western Conference, that meant fighting for a play-in tournament spot. A week into the games, analyst Zach Lowe underlined how the experts might have underrated Wemby and Co.

On his podcast on Monday, Lowe told guest fellow analyst Kirk Goldsberry what he thought of the Wembanyama-led team:

“Every other team, from Golden State down to the Lakers, Grizzlies, has got to be absolutely crapping their pants because the Spurs are coming for a top 6 seed, at least a fight for it. And the argument for that, as it was before the season, is that this dude is so goddamn good.”

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Like most analysts before the season started, Lowe predicted the OKC Thunder and the Denver Nuggets to battle for the top seed in the West. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers were favorites to earn an outright playoff spot. The Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Spurs were expected to slug it out for play-in tournament spots.

The projection around the Spurs improved following Victor Wembanyama’s blistering start to the season. San Antonio is off to a perfect 4-0 slate behind the Frenchman’s stunning play. Wembanyama is averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.0 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. According to Lowe, the 7-foot-5 center has been so “goddamn good” that Wemby covers many of the Spurs' loopholes.

Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs sit atop Western Conference

The San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten on Monday after whipping the Toronto Raptors 121-103. Victor Wembanyama’s 24 points, 15 rebounds and four assists pushed the Spurs to their fourth straight win. San Antonio now sits atop the Western Conference with a 4-0 record. The OKC Thunder, who are engaged in a seesaw battle with the Dallas Mavericks, are in second place with a 3-0 mark.

As of presstime, the Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and LA Clippers round off the top 6 with identical 2-1 records.

The most surprising development has been the Houston Rockets’ initial struggles with a jumbo roster. They own a 1-2 record, the second-worst in their conference.

The season is still early, so anything can still happen. However, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs look ready to challenge for at least a guaranteed spot in the 2026 playoffs.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero