Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Prior to the second-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had never played against Lakers star forward LeBron James in a playoff series.
The Thunder bested the Lakers in four games in the series, and afterwards Gilgeous-Alexander reacted to his first-ever postseason series against The King.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Marvels at LeBron James After First Playoff Series Against Him
LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Gilgeous-Alexander was extremely impressed with James’ impact on the series despite the fact that he’s 41 years old.
“It’s amazing what he’s doing out there at this age,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s very impressive. It’s hard to put it to words. He’s not very old in the grand scheme of life, but for the NBA, he’s pretty old, and he doesn’t seem like it out there. He was a force. He was the top of the scouting report all series. His size gave us issues at times. He was impressive out there. I’m not sure we’ll see anything like that again, his longevity and his greatness.”
Gilgeous-Alexander shared similar praise for James prior to the start of the series between L.A. and Oklahoma City.
“We can sit here all day and talk about things he’s done for the game. Guy’s one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball in the history of human beings. It speaks for itself,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of James.
“… You guys don’t need me to sit here and tell you how great of a player LeBron James is. It should be a fun matchup to really test yourself against one of the greatest. Obviously, he’s a little out of his prime, but he’s still very very capable. … Playing against an all-time great like that, you get up for those games.”
This story will be updated.