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
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. 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,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “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.”
LeBron James Faces Enormous Offseason Decision
L.A.’s loss to Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder bring James’ future to the forefront of the conversation. With his contract up, James will have to decide if he wants to continue playing, and if he does, where.
James didn’t have an answer to those question’s immediately after the Lakers were eliminated by the Thunder.
“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,’” James said. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
James will likely take some time before making any final decisions. In the meantime, the basketball world will be waiting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Message to LeBron James After Playoff Series