via Imago
October 14, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots the basketball against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
October 14, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots the basketball against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Amongst a ton of his tenacious opponents, LeBron James was taken aback by a 16-year younger rookie during the Lakers vs Grizzlies regular-season matchup. The King has entered his 19th NBA season (2021-22) and there are moments of irony that strike him from time to time. What will James say when a high school teammate of his son Bronny is playing at the opposite end?
What happened at the Lakers vs Grizzlies matchup?
The 2021-22 NBA regular-season kick-started with some tremendous matchups. Season favorites, Los Angeles Lakers locked horns with a young Memphis Grizzlies squad last night. While the Bron-led Lakers were loaded with Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony, the Grizzlies were relying on their new-found superstar Ja Morant.
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USA Today via Reuters
May 26, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) moves to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Arena. Utah Jazz won 141-129. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers sealed the game at 121-118, securing the team’s first win of the season. James, who scored 19 points against Memphis, faced his son’s high school teammate, Ziaire Williams. And this time, Bron had an ironic moment while sharing the court with the 20-year old.
When LeBron James felt ironic after watching the Grizzlies rookie
Ziaire Williams, the tenth overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft, was opted by the New Orleans Pelicans and immediately traded to Memphis. The Lakers centerpiece shares an odd connection with Williams. LeBron James‘ son, Bronny was a teammate to Williams at Sierra Canyon School, Los Angeles. Williams joined Bronny’s school in his senior year and since then have been on the same basketball team.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles forward Ziaire Williams (8) shoots as Atlanta Hawks guard Skylar Mays (4) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
James is often seen in Bronny’s games, guiding his son from the courtside. Well, Williams was part of the picture and now he’s playing face-to-face against the 4-time NBA champion. After the Lakers-Grizzlies gig, Bron shared his feelings after seeing Williams on the other end.
“I looked at Ziaire a couple times and was just shaking my head inside,” he told during the press conference. “It’s a weird dynamic for myself to see something like that but happy for the kid obviously. But, it was definitely an ironic moment for sure.”
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"I looked at Ziaire a couple times and was just shaking my head inside." LeBron James on sharing the court with Ziaire Williams tonight, who played with his son Bronny in High School. pic.twitter.com/9UkTkguGyR
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 25, 2021
Ziaire Williams is a shooting guard for the Grizzlies. During his senior year in high school, he averaged 15 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
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As part of a young and growing roster, we’ll find out how Williams’ career tames its way.
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