Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses Lakers, LeBron James ahead of NBA playoffs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James ahead of NBA playoff series.
After completing another mundane Round 1 sweep that served as background noise, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been pushed to the front of the line. They will face the Los Angeles Lakers in their Round 2 series of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Even if the matchup is a little lopsided on the court, expect it to draw the most eyeballs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on his way to back-to-back MVP awards. Meanwhile, LeBron James is a billion-dollar machine in himself. The Luka Doncic and Jalen Williams storylines will also be worth watching.
Before the Thunder host the Lakers for Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talked about their playoff matchup and how he views their Round 2 opponent. He also talked about facing James in a playoff history and the daunting history that comes with that. Here's what Gilgeous-Alexander had to say about the Lakers and James: On the Lakers "Playing to our identity.
They’re playing pretty well right now, regardless of who’s out there. They're well-coached. LeBron has been in this situation at this level of games more than anybody else in the NBA.