The King and The Prince of the NBA?
The King and The Prince? Since the 2018/2019 collegiate season and possibly before, fans around the world have compared Zion Williamson to Lebron James. With similar body sizes and pure athletic ability at such as young age, Zion does remind you of a younger Lebron. Although the comparisons have been made, both players have expressed they are very different.
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At the beginning of the 2019/2020 NBA season, fans anticipated the matchup between Lebron James and Zion Williamson. After a dominant start to the preseason, Zion was out from approximately 8 weeks with a torn meniscus. After suffering such an injury for a player his size, it was thought that his career had taken dive before it started. Although Zion had a setback, he overcame and returned in full force. The kid plays like a veteran, and it's his rookie years.
On February 25th, coming off of an emotional Allstar weekend ( RIP Mamba), Lebron and the Lakers faced off against Zion and the Pelicans. Lebron led the Lakers with 40 points 6 assist and 8 rebounds to a 118-109 victory. Zion finished the game with 29 points 3 assist and 6 rebounds. On March 2nd, the two teams met again, but unfortunately for the pelicans, they took another loss. In this game, Zion was able to show his pure athleticism and ability to score the ball. Although he was able to reach a career-high of 35 points and 7 rebounds, the KING put up a triple-double for the win. Lebron indeed showed why he is considered the King! Finishing with 34 point, 13 assist, and 12 rebounds, Lebron scored from all corners of the floor with confidence.
Both games between these two teams showed a lot as the pelicans have a team that is coming together well with a lot of young leadership. While the lakers are posing for a run at the NBA championship, at the end of the game, Lebron is seen providing Zion with what I believe to be words of encouragement. Zion will indeed be something special in this league. The 2019 NBA draft class was full of talent, and I am excited to see who else breaks out!