The King reigns supreme over the Rookie in their first meeting of the 2019 NBA season.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans in the Staples Center last night. The Lakers are the number one seed in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans are in the 9th seed trying to fight their way into the playoff race.
Game Recap
The Los Angeles Lakers were victorious of the young New Orleans Pelicans posting a final score of 118-109. According to NBA Stats, LeBron scored a season-high 40 points on 63%FG shooting. Anthony Davis added 21 points and 14 rebounds notching his 26th double-double of the season. Brandon Ingram was the high scorer for the Pelicans scoring 34 points. Zion Williamson scored 29 points while shooting 11 for 19 at the free-throw line.
There was an exciting moment in this game when LeBron isolated Zion and they matched up against each other one on one. LeBron waved the pic away and showed the young rookie some moves, ending the play with a three-point jump shot. LeBron had some high praise for Zion after the game was over. He states, “He’s playing exceptional basketball,” James said. “I believe he will improve with each game, gaining valuable experience. Today’s game suits his style perfectly. The high pace and ball movement align well with his game, as they play at that speed, running up and down.”
The King vs The Rookie
There was a lot of excitement built up for this matchup. This was a “passing the torch” moment between these two players. Zion Williamson is the most hyped and highly anticipated NBA players since LeBron James entered the league in 2003. LeBron has been a dominant force in the NBA since he stepped foot in the NBA 17 years ago. Zion has been setting the internet on fire with his emphatic dunks and high soaring rebounds, and he has not disappointed so far in his first 13 NBA games. The rookie Zion came into this game averaging 23.3 points per game, 7 rebounds, on 57.3% shooting per game. LeBron is averaging 25.5 points per game and 7.7 rebounds and 10.6 assists, which leads the league. This was the third game between the Lakers and the Pelicans this season, they meet again on March 1st, 2020 in New Orleans.
Did you guys watch Lebron James and the Lakers take on Zion Williamson’s Pelicans last night?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Good rundown of the game last night! It was nice to watch these guys go head to head. I can’t wait to see them face off again! LeBron gave Zion praise, but I don’t know about passing the torch YET.