All eyes were on LeBron James and Zion Williamson on Sunday, as they squared off for the second time this season. Both had huge games, with James’ Lakers ultimately coming out on top.
After the final whistle, James and Williamson embraced, as James appeared to impart some words of wisdom on the young phenom.
James was then asked what was said between the two, but refused to divulge any details. Instead, he heaped praise on Zion and the NBA’s next generation of stars. “The league is in great hands with a guy like Zion, Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum and the list goes on and on,” he said.
When back in the locker room, the topic once again turned to James’ mentorship of Zion and his young counterparts—specifically what James thinks about those who might disagree with his approach. As usual, James didn’t mince words.
James’ embracing of this role has been a season-long thing, as evidenced by a similar moment he shared with Jayson Tatum in late February.
So while LeBron isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, he’s clearly making sure that when he does ride off into the sunset, the league will be in good hands.
Lakers’ LeBron James: Critics of My Mentoring Young Players Can ‘Kiss My Ass’
LeBron James is still on the short list of the best players in the NBA, but he embraces his role as a 35-year-old mentor when it comes to the next generation.
On Sunday, following his Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-114 win over Zion Williamson’s New Orleans Pelicans, the future Hall of Famer and the rookie embraced and shared words following the game. James told reporters he understands he has a responsibility to be a mentor and even had a special message for those who think he shouldn’t do so while playing:
James may see himself as a mentor, but it’s not like he took it easy on Williamson.
The King accounted for Anthony Davis’ absence with a triple-double of 34 points, 13 assists, 12 rebounds and two steals. He dazzled with precise passes, overpowered defenders on his way to the rim and was even too much on the boards for the Pelicans for extended stretches.
He took over with the game on the line by exploding past Josh Hart on back-to-back possessions, hitting a contested three over Williamson’s outstretched arm and setting up Kyle Kuzma for a critical corner three when New Orleans ran a double-team his way.
Williamson was impressive as well and tallied 35 points and seven rebounds with a number of head-turning dunks. It was his 11th consecutive game with 20 or more points, and he continues to make a case for Rookie of the Year against Ja Morant even though he missed a significant chunk of the season.
Still, James earned bragging rights and helped his Lakers notch the four-game season sweep over the Pelicans.
It will be up to Williamson to absorb some of James’ mentoring and help turn things around, especially if the two teams face each other in the postseason.
