Yep, Lucci might not be Kizaru but his name holds far more weight than a mere Vice Admiral or an one arc goon that Oda introduces just to be defeated..
Those crusty Vice Admirals would never be given a line like this. They would just be worshipping Kizaru, Lucci knows his worth (though he's underestimating the SHs), he's a heavy hitter himself.
If Oda is willing to feed him to Zoro, it just tells you Zoro has finally made it. Yea feats are great and Zoro has always had those, but this is actual respect in my eyes for the character.