Shirtless shredded LeBron at 39 destroys soft Zion at 24 flexing viral back tattoo

NBA Twitter crushed Zion Williamson for his giant new back tattoo. What could be even more embarrassing is LeBron James' physique 15 years older than him.

Apr 14, 2024: LeBron James dribbles against Zion Williamson during the second half at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

It's been a rough day for often-injured Zion Williamson.

The power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans is not close to getting back to the court for his left hamstring , per ESPN's Shams Charania. To add insult to injury, the 24-year-old's tattoo artist Anthony Michaels dropped his completed full back tattoo. Let's just say NBA Twitter had jokes. Lots of jokes, especially given his history of rarely being healthy.

RELATED: Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia sizzles in low-cut, fire-red dress

Anthony Michaels/Instagram

Juxtapose that to the Los Angeles Lakers legend and NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James, 39 (turning 40 in late December), who while he has NBA Twitter in an uproar for his announced social media hiatus and coddling of his oldest son Bronny James, can never be questioned for treating his body like a temple, reportedly spending millions to keep it in tip top shape.

It's even more jarring when you see both James and Williamson shirtless.

LeBron at 39 Zion at 24 https://t.co/mO7QT4hJA6 pic.twitter.com/b5aYnr8t66

— 𝓛𝓛💫 (@HoodiiBron) November 22, 2024

Williamson is obviously frustrated, just like NBA fans given the former Duke Blue Devils star is must-watch when he is playing.

"Came in for treatments and was like, ‘I feel more sore here than usual,'" Williamson said. "Got it checked out. Then got that great news.” He says rehab is going great and is on track for the return timeline.

RELATED: Tom Brady's Miami 'Billionaire Bunker' construction views are insane

Shams says best-case scenario is six weeks, but it could possibly be even longer.

Nov 8, 2024; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson looks on from the bench against the Orlando Magic / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

After the Pelicans lost to the Golden State Warriors tonight 112-108, Steph Curry had words of encouragement for Zion. "He has been through a lot early in his career. Injuries happen, but you try to take a big-picture mentality, staying motivated and keeping your spirits right because rehab is tough."

Until then, maybe more diet and exercise to get more of a LeBron physique?

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Who dat?: Becky Lynch looks unrecognizable in first appearance since leaving WWE

Steeling the show: Russell Wilson’s wife Ciara shows epic head-to-toe Steelers fit

Twinsies: Josh Allen’s gf Hailee Steinfeld looks identical to her tiny manicured dog

Six-packed: Cavinder twins have best abs contest in skimpy workout fits

Fore!: Paige Spiranac sports low-cut top sharing easy at-home golf tip