LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will get back to business on Tuesday night as they return to the basketball floor one day after yesterday’s emotional memorial for Kobe and Gianna Bryant at the Staples Center. And Tuesday night’s game is not just any game at the Staples Center as No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson makes his debut against the Lakers, LeBron, and Anthony Davis.
Including Dwight Howard, there will be a total of four No. 1 overall picks on the court in tonight’s game that may also be a preview of things to come in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The Pelicans were steadily improving after a bad start to the season and Williamson’s arrival has accelerated their move into playoff position. The Pelicans are just three back in the loss column of No. 8 Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West. The Pelicans also have at least a tie of the season series with the Grizzlies, as well as a win of the season series against the current No. 9 place Portland Trail Blazers.
Over his first 12 games, Williamson is averaging nearly 22.8 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 58.6% from the field overall and 41.7% from the 3-point line. New Orleans has gone 7-5 in the games Williamson has played in. However, Williamson’s already elite strength will be tested against the massive Lakers frontline. The Lakers frontcourt is one of the most physical units in the game and given Williamson’s quickness against centers, the Lakers will likely begin the game with Anthony Davis guarding New Orleans’ new hope for basketball greatness.
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