Memphis Grizzlies rookie Karim López is looking forward to facing NBA legend LeBron James this season.
After being selected 21st overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Karim López is getting ready for his debut season, and there's one matchup in particular that he has circled.
The Grizzlies will get their first crack at the new-look Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 1 on the road, which will also give López his first chance to share the court with NBA icon LeBron James.
It sounds like that will be a special night for López, who shared that James is his favorite player and G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).
“The game against the Sixers, against LeBron, my favorite player – for me, the greatest of all time – is definitely something I’m really looking forward to," he told AS. "I hope I can get a photo with him to post."
The Grizzlies will also host the Sixers later in the season for a Feb. 3 clash at FedExForum.
James taking his talents to Philadelphia was one of the biggest developments of the offseason. He opted to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years with the team, which quickly made him the biggest name available in free agency. After a long waiting game, the 76ers won the sweepstakes, giving them a huge win in a pivotal summer for them.
Philadelphia also acquired star wing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics this offseason. The 76ers are now headlined by James, Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, giving them one of the most dangerous lineups in the league.
As such, Memphis' matchups against Philly this season are sure to be tricky. But the Grizzlies should embrace the challenge, and López is clearly looking forward to it.
The incoming rookie averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in international play last season for New Zealand, according to Basketball Reference. At just 19 years old, he has a lot of upside and could turn into a nice piece for Memphis.
He missed much of Summer League action with the Grizzlies due to injury but ultimately did get to see the floor in one game. Hopefully, he's using the offseason to get acclimated to life in the NBA as best he can before his debut season arrives.
When it comes to James, it's no surprise that he has fans (like López) who are coming into the NBA now. The NBA's all-time leading scorer was active in the league before López was even born, so the Grizzlies rookie grew up at a time when James was dominating the league.
A 22-time All-Star, four-time MVP and four-time NBA champ, James is trying to add to his resume with the 76ers as his career approaches the finish line. Hopefully, he and López will both be on the floor when their teams face off this season.
