Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Running highlight reel of LeBron James and Zion Williamson

Kyle Irving

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Running highlight reel of LeBron James and Zion Williamson image

The first meeting between superstar LeBron James and rookie phenom Zion Williamson lived up to the hype.

There were vicious throwdown dunks, beautiful passes, crazy rebounds and big shots, all throughout a back-and-forth game where Zion's Pelicans would not quit.

LeBron didn't take his first matchup against the rookie lightly, going for a season-high 40 points to lead the Lakers to a 118-109 victory. Williamson didn't back down from The King either, going for 29 points.

If you missed any of this duel, we had you covered with all the best highlights below!

LeBron James and Zion Williamson highlight reel

The main events have entered the building.

That didn't take long. Zion Williamson coming through!

Alex Caruso drops it through his legs and LeBron James slams it on Josh Hart!

Zion Williamson swindles his way past Kyle Kuzma for a nifty finish in transition.

Lonzo Ball finds Zion Williamson on the alley-oop!


Halftime: Lakers 64, Pelicans 58

LeBron James:  15 points (7-11 FG, 1-4 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists

Zion Williamson:  17 points (6-10 FG), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

LeBron James iso'd the rookie and buried a 3-ball. He's amidst a personal 11-0 run, taking over the game.



LeBron James slams it on Jrue Holiday!


It doesn't even have to be a dunk to be wowed by Zion Williamson. This rebound is insane.


This isn't a highlight, but it's worth noting. Zion Williamson joins Carmelo Anthony for the longest 20-point streak by a teenager in NBA history.


LeBron James puts the bow on this one with a double-clutch dunk.


And what would this memorable night at the STAPLES Center be without a little Kobe Bryant tribute?


Final: Lakers 118, Pelicans 109

LeBron James:  40 points (17-27 FG, 5-11 3PT), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block

Zion Williamson:  29 points (8-18 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.