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LeBron’s Lakers school Zion Williamson’s Pelicans with King James’ brutal message for critics

LeBron James has taught heir apparent Zion Williamson a valuable lesson but the legend has lashed out over an element of his game.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
2 min read
March 2, 2020 - 4:55PM
Zion and LeBron go head-to-head again.
Zion and LeBron go head-to-head again.

When the prince takes on the king, the older statesman is always going to want to pull out his best.

In the second meeting between LeBron James’ LA Lakers and Zion Williamson’s New Orleans Pelicans, both men put on a show but it was King James who came out the victor.

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The 122-114 Lakers win was only half the story though with Williamson knocking down a career-best 35 points and seven rebounds, only to be overshadowed by James, who knocked down 34 points, but also had 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

It was his 21st triple-double with the Lakers and tied with Kobe Bryant for the third most in franchise history.

It’s the second time the pair have played with James claiming both wins.

He also had 37 points, 9.5 assists and 10 rebounds per game against the heir apparent for his throne.

LeBron is on fire.
LeBron is on fire.

The 35-year-old still has plenty to teach the 19-year-old Williamson, with the perfect response to a signature dunk.

While Williamson slammed it down right in front of James’ eyes, the King responded with an almost half court shot just two seconds later.

Take that Zion!

But there was nothing but love between the two after the game, sharing an embrace with James sharing some advice for the youngster.

LeBron has long showed plenty of respect for those trying to steal his throne over the years.

Just yesterday he gifted Memphis Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant with an autographed jersey with a message on it.

But it’s also seen him cop some criticism and The King had message for the critics.

“You know me, it’s my obligation, it’s my job to continue to pass on the game to those coming after me,” James said. “It’s just my responsibility. No one told me to do that, I just feel like it’s my responsibility to leave the game in a better place than when I had it. When you see the class of guys that are in our league right now — you mention Ja last night, you mention Zion tonight, you see Trae Young, you see Luka Doncic, you see Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell — the league is in a very good place. If I’m able to give my wisdom and game, pass it down while I’m playing or after I’m playing, I feel it’s my job because it’s the game I’ve been playing since I started playing when I was eight years old.

“Anybody that says that ‘LeBron, why would he do that while he’s playing, it’s a sign of weakness, he’s buddy-buddy with guys he’s going against’, tell them they can kiss my a** … with a smile too.”

And he added it with a smile.

Zion wasn't very happy about the loss.
Zion wasn't very happy about the loss.

Williamson said it meant a lot for LeBron to put him up alongside some of the best young talent in the NBA.

“Definitely, it means something,” he said, although clearly frustrated by the loss. “He’s been doing this for 17 years and his resume speaks for itself. For him to say that, it’s something.”

Fans couldn’t get enough of the battle between Williamson with James with the elder statesman getting plenty of social media love for his performance.

Originally published as LeBron’s Lakers school Zion Williamson’s Pelicans with King James’ brutal message for critics

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/us-sports/nba/lebrons-lakers-school-zion-williamsons-pelicans-with-king-james-brutal-message-for-critics/news-story/25116e5c13294938c34472dffef55942