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Duke Basketball: LeBron James fell in love with Zion Williamson this year

By Kevin Connelly

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands during a time out against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 123-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands during a time out against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 123-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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In his HBO show, ‘The Shop’, LeBron James talked about the evolution of the Duke Basketball superstar Zion Williamson and how he loved watching him play this season.

There aren’t many sports fans left in the United States of American, maybe the world, that haven’t  seen a glimpse of Zion Williamson.

LeBron James is one of the few to get an up-close look at the future NBA star in person and on television.

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In his HBO series, The Shop, James and his friends talked about Williamson’s season at Duke and his potential in the NBA.

The Lakers star admitted that he was also wondering whether of not Zion’s talents would translate to the collegiate game after constant videos of him would go viral in high school dunking on one, two, and even three defenders.

James praises Williamson’s energy, calling it “infectious” and notes how he can have an impact on every part of the game.

Obviously, this episode was taped prior to Zion’s announcement to declared for the NBA Draft because LeBron was asked if Zion Williamson should “come out”, meaning enter the NBA Draft and James responded “absolutely”.

LeBron took the trip down to Charlottesville to see Zion and the rest of the Blue Devils this season when Duke took on Virginia as James and the Lakers were playing in Philadelphia the next afternoon.

The Blue Devils defeated Virginia 81-71, for the second time in as many weeks, and Williamson ended the night with 18 points, five rebounds, five assist, three steals, and three blocks in front of the future Hall of Famer.

Williamson swept the National Player of the Year Awards and ended his season averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. He is also the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection in June’s NBA Draft.

LeBron James said that Zion was the “most talked about guy in a long time”.

Perhaps the most talked about since a young future star entered the NBA Draft out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio in 2003.

While it is a long shot, there is a chance the two could team up next season if the Los Angeles Lakers are able to win the NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, but the Lakers only have a 2.0% chance at landing the No. 1 pick.

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