NBA: 5 of the best player rivalries the future has to offer

2. Anthony Davis vs. Zion Williamson

Before even a single minute of action, Zion Williamson seems committed to the New Orleans Pelicans for the long haul.

Whether that sentiment rings true in the coming years, it’s a refreshing change of pace from the drama Pelicans fans were dragged through all season long, and it’s only aided by his infectious personality and otherworldly talent that is sure to excite.

Meanwhile, out in Southern California, Anthony Davis finally got what he wanted with a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

He is the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame-caliber big men to suit up in the purple and gold with expectations that far outweigh anything he faced during his time with the Pelicans.

Making the playoffs isn’t good enough. Neither is a surprise run to the second round. The Lakers have a title-or-bust mentality moving forward, but this is what AD wanted when he made his original trade request in February.

It’s now on him to produce in ways that get LA closer to championship No. 17.

While Davis weights a historic organization on his shoulders, Williamson will attempt to do what the All-NBA big man never could.

He not only wants to bring excitement to New Orleans, but the most recent top overall selection wants to bring playoff success to the franchise with a championship in the back of his mind.

Zion’s highlight factor is real, resulting in 20 national tv games for the Pelicans in the coming season. These outings include an opening-night appearance and a spot on the Christmas day schedule.

Davis was never asked to open the season nor play more than once on the NBA’s premier regular-season date.

His Pelicans were never good enough to warrant that much national exposure, and yet Williamson has gotten it all before taking his first NBA dribble.

The normally reserved big man will say nothing on the matter, but part of him has to be feeling some type of way after doing everything he could to put New Orleans on the map.

While AD might try to put some respect on his name, Zion will do his best to show his predecessor that the grass is perfectly green down in the Big Easy. As he enters his prime and LeBron hands more of the Lakers to Davis, the two will converge with reputations to play for.