WATCH: LeBron James gives special message to San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle

The Los Angeles Lakers' first NBA Cup game proved to be a difficult battle. Despite having the Western Conference's second-worst record previous season, the San Antonio Spurs are now doing significantly better. The Spurs are improving, but not just because of Victor Wembanyama, the team's greatest player and the focus of attention. Stephon Castle, a rookie guard, has showed promise.

After Los Angeles Lakers defeated San Antonio Spurs 120-115 on the road on Friday night, NBA icon and Lakers player LeBron James spoke to Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle. "Keep going, keep going, man," James remarked when asked what he said to Castle when they gathered on the court following the game. He is going to be special. Man, he's going to be special."

Watch here the video:

"Keep going, keep going, man. He's going to be special. He's going to be special, man." - LeBron James on Stephon Castle pic.twitter.com/vaYs8LFgrC

— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) November 16, 2024

Castle, who was selected fourth overall in the 2024 NBA draft, had what may have been his greatest game to date on Friday, finishing 7-of-12 for 22 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Castle entered the 2024 NBA draft and didn't have to wait long to hear his name called after dominating at UConn, where he won a national championship and was named Big East Freshman of the Year in his lone season with the Huskies.

Since San Antonio gave Castle the opportunity to team up with 7'3" center Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 overall choice, it felt like the ideal place for Castle to settle. Due to the presence of Chris Paul, a seasoned point guard who will probably be inducted into the Hall of Fame, the Spurs originally eased Castle into the fold. As a result, Castle missed out on scoring ten or more points in each of his first six NBA games.

Stephon Castle rising star in the team

Castle, on the other hand, has started all six of the previous games and is averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in his last five games. He also shoots 40.9 percent from beyond the arc and 50.0 percent from the field. Stephon Castle rookie who has only participated in 13 games.

Despite not starting games early in the season, Castle has started the Spurs' past six games, suggesting that he has earned a position in the starting lineup. After losing their opening NBA Cup game, the Spurs will have an opportunity to turn things around on Tuesday if they defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.