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With His NBA Career Hijacked by Injuries, 46lbs Lighter Zion Williamson Bows Down to 38-Year-Old LeBron James for Surreal Fitness

Published 07/11/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

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Coming into the league, Zion Williamson was touted as a force of nature and an exceptional talent. But his injuries mostly grounded his game. Unlike someone like LeBron James whose athletic abilities made him first among the equals, Zion stayed at the sidelines. He’s now hailing the King while returning to ring.

Going into his 21st season in the NBA, 38 year old LeBron James is unlike any other. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is truly one of the most gifted athletes to play the game. While players struggle to even maintain their fitness beyond 38, James has defied all odds to compete at the highest level despite his growing age. The surreal fitness level of James has always left other players awestruck.

Zion Williamson gives LeBron James his flowers

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Three seasons into his NBA career, Williamson has only played a total of 114 games. He received an All Star selection within those games but watched his team struggle throughout the course.

After leading the New Orleans Pelicans to the top of the Western Conference last season, he suffered yet another injury and watched them slip and fall out of playoff contention from the sidelines.

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USA Today via Reuters

The accumulating injuries and his struggles with managing his weight have taken a lot away from the star. However, in a recent interview with former Washington Wizard, Gilbert Arenas, Williamson mentioned his efforts towards working on his weight.

Read This Story: Zion Williamson Reveals His Disappointment and Frustration Over His Current Situation With the Pelicans

I’m always able to come back each summer feeling good, looking good…. coming to play and not being able to maintain that,” Zion stated in the interview.

He went on to mention LeBron as a blueprint of fitness.”I mean s**t, Bron got the blueprint“.

Williamson has put in the work in the offseason

Zion Williamson has certainly taken some inspiration from “The King” to improve his own health. After weighing more than 300 lbs after the injury that sidelined him during last season, Williamson is reported to have lost almost 46lbs in the off season.

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The 23 year old has a long road ahead in the league. His health has always held him back but with a string of new controversies, Williamson will have a lot to deal with.

The Pelicans have a strong young core along with the veteran leadership of C.J. McCollum. However, Williamson’s services could potentially propel them to the top of the Western Conference again.

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With a crucial season on the line, the news of Williamson’s weight loss might come as a sigh of relief for the Pelicans. But will the young gun manage to fire amid his health issues?

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Written by:

Sachit Kaundinya

360Articles

One take at a time

Sachit is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for several years and is deeply passionate about the sport and it’s strategic aspects. Combining his passion and desire to stay connected with basketball, Sachit pursued a writing career.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo