The Los Angeles Lakers registered their 2nd win of the season after a hard-fought win over the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron James (20) and Lonnie Walker (28) helped the Lakers get the overtime win at home. The Pelicans were 12 points behind the Lakers at half-time. But Zion Williamson guided the Pelicans to a 2nd half comeback as they managed to lead the Lakers in the final quarter. While the Pelicans lost, the 22-year-old forward’s performance impressed LeBron, who heaped massive praise on him after the game.
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The Pelican led the Los Angeles Lakers just seconds before the final buzzer. With just 1.4 seconds left to play and the ball in possession, Austin Reaves found Matt Ryan, who drilled in a three-pointer to send the game to OT. However, the Lakers managed to hold the Pelicans to 9-6 in overtime to snatch a 2nd win of the season.
Zion Williamson scored 27 points against the Lakers in 37 minutes. LeBron James was very impressed by the 22-year-old star and praised him for his performance.
LeBron James calls Zion Williamson a never seen before talent in the NBA
Zion Williamson scored a massive 14 points in the final quarter to push the team to a three-point lead. However, Matt Ryan had other plans as his three-pointer sent the game to OT. Despite the New Orleans Pelicans‘ loss, LeBron praised Zion for his efforts.
“There are just certain talents that come into the league that you’ve never seen before,” LeBron James said after the game about Williamson.
There are just certain talents that come into the league that you've never seen before — LeBron on Zion Williamson
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 3, 2022
Zion Williamson has been with the Pelicans for more than three years now. He made his first All-Star appearance last year. However, he missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a right foot injury. But Zion looks solid this season and has led the Pelicans to a 4-3 start.
LeBron James had a lot of support from the other Lakers stars against the Pelicans. Anthony Davis scored 20 points and bagged 16 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook (13) and Matt Ryan (11) made significant contributions off the bench.
LeBron James admits being fine after hurting foot
Anthony Davis played his 2nd straight game after missing a game due to back problems. However, LeBron James has recently been in pain due to his foot. He admitted that he had been bedridden since Sunday and “wasn’t sure” if he would play against the Pelicans.
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LeBron James says this morning was the first time he got out of bed since Sunday night after the game. His foot had been hurting that bad and he wasn’t sure if he was going to play today.
“I’ve felt better,” he said.
He said he’s going straight back to bed tonight.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 3, 2022
This is a worrying situation for the Lakers, who have just started to win after five straight losses. James will undoubtedly be an important player for the Lakers if they are to manage to reach the playoffs. He is a big game player and has the ability to change the game by himself. The Lakers would not want to lose out on the four-time NBA champion so early in the season. Coach Darvin Ham will have the responsibility to manage the minutes properly so that he gets proper rest.
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Can the Lakers extend their winning streak against the Utah Jazz on Friday? Let us know in the comment section below.