Can you imagine the smile on Adam Silver’s face if this actually happens?
LeBron James vs. Zion Williamson. Anthony Davis vs. the scorned New Orleans Pelicans faithful. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart back for revenge in Los Angeles after Davis’ power play last summer changed all of their paths. As first-round playoff matchups go, the Lakers-Pelicans possibility, which will be previewed on Tuesday night at Staples Center, is about as dreamy as they come.
Especially if you’re the commissioner of a league that has endured a nightmarish season on the ratings front.
Of all the eye-popping skills that Williamson possesses, it’s his ability to attract eyeballs that is the biggest boon for the basketball business. Just ask the folks at ESPN, who saw a 15% spike in their college basketball ratings during his lone season at Duke. Five of the network’s top six games featured the Blue Devils last season, and Duke games were up 30% year-over-year.
