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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James deems rookie Zion Williamson a ‘special’ talent

By James Francuz

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recently had high praise for rising star Zion Williamson.

The Los Angeles Lakers took care of business on Tuesday evening, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans by a final tally of 118-109. The Lakers improved their record to 44-12 and remain the team to beat in the Western Conference.

Four-time MVP LeBron James stood out from the crowd in this particular matchup. James netted 40 points for Los Angeles, which marked a season-high for him. Moreover, the Lakers’ star hauled down eight rebounds, collected six dimes, and had one block as well.

Following the win, the Lakers remain five games ahead of the No. 2 seeded Denver Nuggets. However, while a Lakers’ “W” is always nice, another aspect of this one is too hard to casually ignore.

Pelicans’ rising star Zion Williamson played in his first-ever game against the Lakers on Tuesday. Albeit James stole the show, Williamson demonstrated that the hype surrounding him is all too real.

Certainly, Zion’s level of play reminded us of something crucial that CNN writer Ben Morse addressed. Few rookies have ever been so heavily regarded. The Lakers’ James, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2003, belongs in the conversation. It is arguable that no newcomer since LeBron has gotten as much attention as Williamson.

Akin to James, the Pelicans’ sensation was also drafted at number one overall. Although the latter missed a good chunk of the season due to a knee injury he suffered in the preseason, he has clearly proven he belongs in the NBA.

In Tuesday night’s contest, the Duke product notched 29 points to go along with six boards, three assists, and one steal. Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, Zion made history by notching his fifth straight 25-point performance. The youngster tied marks previously set by Luka Doncic and Carmelo Anthony for the lengthiest such stretch by a teenager in league history.

Without a doubt, it is worth noting that Williamson has played in only 13 games thus far for the Pelicans. Nevertheless, he has shown in a short time frame why he, just like James, was selected at No. 1 overall.

Last night it was quite evident how ridiculously athletic the young man is. Perhaps to no surprise, Zion’s strength was hard to not notice, too. The 19-year-old made use of his strength by playing bully ball in the post, a tactic James has similarly used to his advantage many times throughout his illustrious career.

As was said, LBJ got the best of Zion in round one of the fight. While that is true, the three-time champion was impressed by the rookie’s level of play. As a matter of fact, via Morse’s transcription, the seasoned veteran referred to the bulky teen as “special” during a postgame interview.

"“The kid’s special. We all know that and every game is going to be another opportunity for him to get better, a learning experience for him.”"

James’ words carry more significant meaning than meets the eye. Sure, Zion may feel all tingly inside knowing The King has given the rising star his seal of approval.

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Be that as it may, it is the other part of what James said that is important to be mindful of. The Pelicans’ first-year player has a boatload of talent and physical gifts that fall on the rare side of the spectrum. Despite that, talent can sometimes only carry one so far.

Things like watching tape in the film room will be critical in terms of Zion’s growth moving forward. How he learns and improves behind the scenes could make a huge difference in the time to come.

Of course, when Tuesday night alone is examined, it is rather easy to see who the superior player still is. LeBron remains the standard in the NBA. It is not impossible to conjecture, though, that the rookie could utilize last night’s name as fuel to get better given that he was outdueled.

James shed further light on what he believes makes Zion so “special.” According to Holmes, the Ohio native coined his counterpart as “very quick” and “very explosive for his size.”

Certainly, from an on-paper standpoint, nobody would ever think a 285-pound specimen could possibly be agile. Nonetheless, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick moves rather well for someone with his frame.

Time will tell just how “special” the New Orleans baller will become. His physical gifts and talent are beyond evident, so it will be interesting to see how he evolves.

Next. 4 Lessons From Lakers Win Over Pelicans. dark

One thing is for sure, though. The Zion and LeBron comparisons are not going to evaporate anytime soon. The pair are both at much different stages of their respective careers, but the similarities in their stories and abilities make said comparisons inevitable.

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