LeBron James in Las Vegas watches Lakers lose, Zion Williamson’s debut

By Dennis Rudner Las Vegas Review-Journal

5 years ago

Los Angeles Laker players LeBron James, center, and Anthony Davis take in an NBA Summer League game between the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans, Friday, July 5, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James attends a basketball game between the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls during the Vegas Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) reacts while playing the New York Knicks during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) dunks against the New York Knicks during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) returns to the bench as the team plays the New York Knicks during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett goes to the basket against Javon Bess (41) during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) looks to shoot against the New York Knicks during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket to dunk against the New York Knicks during the first half of the Vegas Summer League basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

NBA Summer League got off to a roaring start on Friday afternoon when the Detroit Pistons beat Croatia at Cox Pavilion.

But all eyes are focused on the New Orleans Pelicans and No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson, who made his debut against the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.

It took all of 15 seconds for Williamson to score — he made one of two free throws at the 9:45 mark of the first period.

Williamson scored 11 points and grabbed three rebounds before leaving the game after banging knees in the first half.

Zion Williamson (left knee) took knee-to-knee hit. Will not return

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 6, 2019

Prior to Williamson’s debut, the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls faced off with LeBron James courtside. James’ Lakers lost to the Bulls, 96-76.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.