The first two times the Los Angeles Lakers went head-to-head with the New Orleans Pelicans this season, they came out on top but didn't get a chance to see rookie phenom Zion Williamson, who was working his way back from a knee injury.
On Tuesday, Williamson was able to face the Lakers and superstar LeBron James for the first time in his NBA career. It was a premier matchup in the league with Williamson being compared to James even before his time with Duke last year.
Although the Pelicans were able to put up more of a fight with the help of Zion and the impressive play of Brandon Ingram, New Orleans still fell short in the end with the duo of LeBron and Anthony Davis being too much to handle for this young squad. Williamson talked about finally getting the chance to face James and what the experience was like after the game.
“It was a great experience,” Zion said of facing LeBron. “He's an incredible player. His resume speaks for itself. He showed it tonight. They got the win, and that's what we were trying to get.”
LeBron had one of his best offensive performances of the season on Tuesday night at the Staples Center. The three-time NBA champion dropped a season-high 40 points on New Orleans to go along with eight rebounds and six assists.
Zion countered LeBron's big night with 29 points of his own but was impressed with what James could do.
“I mean, he's an incredible player,” Williamson said of the Lakers superstar. “I don't know what you all aren't understanding about that. He handled business. He came out here, and he did what he had to do to help his team get the win.”
Ironically enough, James and Williamson haven't spoken to one another. Zion has drawn a lot of LeBron comparisons due to the similar kind of hype and expectations that have been put upon the young forward. However, the two NBA stars have yet to have a conversation.
“Nah, I have not had a chance to talk to LeBron,” Zion said. “It was my second time at Staples, but my first time playing. It's a nice arena.”
One thing is for sure when it comes to Williamson and how he conducts himself off the floor; he's not fazed by anything nor anybody. A lot of players, especially young players coming into the league, can be starstruck when they see the likes of LeBron or other stars in the NBA up close and personal.
Zion is different. He wasn't starstruck by the Lakers star but did admit to it being a great experience to share the floor with someone he's watched growing up.
“Not in that sense, but I do know what you're saying,” Zion said. “I think what you are talking about is one of those things after the game where it's like, ‘Played against him. Dude you been watching on TV for a long time.' I think everybody has those kind of moments depending on who they watch growing up, but just to bounce from team to team seeing different players and even people I played with in college. It's always great.”
On Sunday, Zion and LeBron will face one another for the second and final time during the regular season with the Lakers traveling to New Orleans. The next time they go head-to-head could very well be in the first round of the playoffs.
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