LeBron James vs Zion Williamson is the blockbuster Playoff 1st round that the NBA is hoping for. They want a repeat of the Michael Jordan vs ’86 Celtics matchup
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New Orleans Pelicans rookie sensation Zion Williamson was off to a terrific start to his NBA career before the 2019-20 season was halted in March by the coronavirus pandemic. One member of the organization is expecting big things with the campaign scheduled to restart in July.
An eastern conference executive says the league wants to see Zion vs LeBron in the first round of playoffs.
“[The NBA] would love to have a Michael Jordan versus the ’86 Celtics moment in the first round. If they could get their ideal world, that’s what they would want.” The eastern conference executive told ESPN.
Michael Jordan came off age when he faced that ’86 Celtics team in the playoffs and while he couldn’t take Bulls over the line, he did show what a beast he could become in the years to come.
Facing LeBron and the Lakers would present Zion with a similar opportunity and he could really make a mark for himself in the NBA fraternity.
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An Eastern Conference executive added the league is probably hoping the Pelicans can secure the No. 8 seed in the West to set up a likely matchup between Williamson and LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs.
LeBron James vs Zion Williamson
The 19-year-old Duke product didn’t make his NBA debut until Jan. 22, three months into the regular season, after undergoing knee surgery in October.
But Zion established himself quickly. He averages 23.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game and 2.2 assists per game in just 19 appearances this season.
“He’s going to shock some people,” a Pelicans source told ESPN during an interview, talking about Zion.
Meanwhile LeBron James his having another MVP worthy season for the LA Lakers.
The Lakers star is averaging 25.7 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game and 10.6 assists per game this season. He along with Anothy Davis has led the LA franchise to the top of the western conference table.
Zion is potentially seen as the ‘next big thing’ in the NBA. And toppling the current best LeBron James could prove his worth.
Is it possible to have LeBron James vs Zion Williamson in the playoffs?
The Lakers are on the top of the western conference table with a record of 49-14. They are expected to finish at the top of the conference.
And Zion’s Pelicans are currently 10th in the western conference with 28-36 record this season. They could finish in the final playoff berth with is currently occupied by the Memphis Grizzlies.
It is a crowded space with multiple teams competing for the 8th playoff seat, but with Zion leading the Pelicans along with Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday and co, they seem as favorites to claim the berth.
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If the Pelicans could make most of the eight remaining games securing the 8th spot. The first western conference playoff could be between the Lakers and the Pelicans.
And Zion and co could pull off a huge upset over the superstar LeBron James and the Lakers.
Lebron would have his pride at stake if this matchup does arise in the playoffs.
