The drawing of Simba honestly looked nicer to me but there is really no confusion that they copied a lot. And imitation and flattery excuse might have worked until you sue to stop the original show from begin shown ... then you are no longer even a thief but a robber beating up the owner.

I got the legal thing from the article so not sure if its accurate or not. And also if you don't let other do the same with your work then your own excuse don't hold anyway.