Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James posted a new season-high 40 points (on 17/27 shooting), eight rebounds and six assists in his first career meeting with rookie sensation Zion Williamson while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth straight win, 118-109 against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on Tuesday night. The Lakers improved to 44-12 and sit atop the West.

After the game, James talked on Williamson:

“He’s playing exceptional basketball. I think his game is going to get better and better, just having that experience. I think today’s game is the perfect fit for his game. The high pace, the way they play, it fits his game. … It works perfectly, and our game is so many possessions now, so much space, it’s perfect for his game, so he’s doing exceptionally well with that,” James said, per ESPN.