LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are advancing in the NBA playoffs.
But before The King could prepare to face defending champion Denver and Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic, James first had to look in awe at Zion Williamson.
In 2019, the former Duke star was expected to change the NBA as the No. 1 pick of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Five years later, James and the league finally got a full look at the impressive power of the 6-foot-6, 284-pound Williamson.
For 36 of 48 minutes, Williamson was the best player on the court in Los Angeles’ narrow 110-106 home victory over the Pelicans.
He scored a game-high 40 points on 17-of-27 shooting, adding 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
Even more impressive is the fact that Williamson only took one 3-point shot, meaning he dominated the game with old-school offense.
“He’s a generational player, a generational talent,” James said. “Tonight was just a little microcosm of how great he can be.”
Charles Barkley was also impressed by Williamson.
“This is the first time I’ve said, ‘Yo, this man could be a star. This guy could be a superstar,'” Barkley said.
Another frustrating injury – this one affecting his left leg – abruptly cut Williamson’s night short.
Now, New Orleans must fight to extend its season against the Sacramento Kings.
But for 36 minutes, Williamson dominated the pitch and made James the second best player on the pitch.
The former Duke slammer even knocked down James, who struggled to get up after a hard charge.
“He settled into the game. He just kept attacking. He found seams. He rebounded the ball. He played fast,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said. “(If) we have it for a few more minutes, we might have a chance to take this thing out.”
In recent seasons, Williamson’s desire to play at a high level has been widely questioned.
Against the Lakers, he blew away James and Barkley – and was so impressive that he toppled the King on the court.
“He was dominant,” Barkley said. “He was explosive. It was fun to watch. … Shaq (O’Neal) challenged him before the game and said, ‘Yo, man. It’s time you do your thing.’ “
That’s exactly what Williamson did.
And now he must impress again to save New Orleans’ season.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are advancing in the NBA playoffs.
But before The King could prepare to face defending champion Denver and Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic, James first had to look in awe at Zion Williamson.
In 2019, the former Duke star was expected to change the NBA as the No. 1 pick of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Five years later, James and the league finally got a full look at the impressive power of the 6-foot-6, 284-pound Williamson.
For 36 of 48 minutes, Williamson was the best player on the court in Los Angeles’ narrow 110-106 home victory over the Pelicans.
He scored a game-high 40 points on 17-of-27 shooting, adding 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
Even more impressive is the fact that Williamson only took one 3-point shot, meaning he dominated the game with old-school offense.
“He’s a generational player, a generational talent,” James said. “Tonight was just a little microcosm of how great he can be.”
Charles Barkley was also impressed by Williamson.
“This is the first time I’ve said, ‘Yo, this man could be a star. This guy could be a superstar,'” Barkley said.
Another frustrating injury – this one affecting his left leg – abruptly cut Williamson’s night short.
Now, New Orleans must fight to extend its season against the Sacramento Kings.
But for 36 minutes, Williamson dominated the pitch and made James the second best player on the pitch.
The former Duke slammer even knocked down James, who struggled to get up after a hard charge.
“He settled into the game. He just kept attacking. He found seams. He rebounded the ball. He played fast,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said. “(If) we have it for a few more minutes, we might have a chance to take this thing out.”
In recent seasons, Williamson’s desire to play at a high level has been widely questioned.
Against the Lakers, he blew away James and Barkley – and was so impressive that he toppled the King on the court.
“He was dominant,” Barkley said. “He was explosive. It was fun to watch. … Shaq (O’Neal) challenged him before the game and said, ‘Yo, man. It’s time you do your thing.’ “
That’s exactly what Williamson did.
And now he must impress again to save New Orleans’ season.