OKC guard's LeBron comment spices up potential playoff matchup

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's LeBron James comment spices up potential playoff matchup

By Max Steele | Last updated 3/22/23

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he wasn't a LeBron James fan growing up. His comments might get him into trouble down the road.

"I never liked [LeBron's] game. To me, when I was younger, he was just super athletic. I wasn't that. He was 6-foot-8, and super strong, and I wasn't that either," the 24-year-old said on NBA's "Pass the Rock," according to ESPN.

SGA talked about what he thought of LeBron's game growing up.

(via Pass The Rock) pic.twitter.com/qsnSzHkCmn
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 22, 2023

It's true. Gilgeous-Alexander's 6-foot-6, 195-pound frame is scrawny compared to James', but it's a bold way to say it. He followed with, "It's fun to beat Bron."

The last time the All-Stars faced off, James posted 38 points, three assists and seven rebounds, but Gilgeous-Alexander's 30-point game was enough for a Thunder 133-130 victory.

The Oklahoma City point guard has been on fire this season, averaging 31.4 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Not modeling his game after James has seemingly proved to be fruitful.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is LEADING THE NBA in scoring since the All-Star break with 35.6 PPG! pic.twitter.com/0RBkFRZMM2
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) March 21, 2023

Still, be careful mentioning "The King" this time of year. James is expected to return from injury soon as the playoff-hopeful Lakers (35-37) battle for a berth.

Gilgeous-Alexander likely won't face the recovering James in the Thunder-Lakers game on Friday, but there's a chance for another matchup in weeks to come.

If the Los Angeles sneak into the play-in tournament, they could play Oklahoma City (36-36) in the first or second round. A vengeful James versus a confident Gilgeous-Alexander would be must-watch TV.

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