Zion Williamson just got some fresh ink to prep for the start of the new year -- getting a giant cross tattooed on his chest!!
The NBA star hit up Onder Ink's Andres Ortega just a few weeks ago to get the piece done -- and as you can see, it came out awesome.
The tat features a cross with an image of a snarling gorilla inside of it -- and it appears to be strategically positioned more toward his heart.
Unclear what the exact significance of the image is for Williamson -- but Ortega tells TMZ Sports it all took about three hours during a session in New Orleans to complete.
It's, of course, been a busy few weeks for the Pelicans forward ... because outside of getting some permanent ink placed on his body -- he also helped welcome his baby into the world in November as well.
His recent play on the court has been the focus of many too -- as basketball pundits have criticized his weight and conditioning amid an up-and-down start to the NBA season.
To his credit, though, Williamson has shrugged off all the noise -- recently thanking his fans for sticking by him.