Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admits Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James didn't have much of an impact on his game growing up, and for good reason.
In a recent interview, SGA was asked how LeBron influenced his game. In a rather blunt response, Gilgeous-Alexander said he actually "never liked" James' playing style. However, it was in no way a mockery of LeBron but rather a testament to how unique of an athlete he is.
"I never liked [LeBron James'] game. To me, when I was younger he was just super athletic, I wasn't that. He was 6'8″, and super strong and I wasn't that either," Alexander explained on Pass the Rock, via NBA on ESPN.
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Sure enough, what Gilgeous-Alexander is saying here is that he wasn't able to pattern his game on LeBron James because the Los Angeles Lakers star has a unique physical gift that can't be immitated. Unlike the likes of Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving whose skillsets can't be replicated by putting in the hard work, there is this physical barrier on how much one can take from James' game.
Besides, there is no way SGA can show disrespect to LeBron's style. After all, this is the NBA's leading scorer of all time that we're talking about.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thriving, LeBron James Still Injured
Spicy take aside, there is no denying that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like a true superstar with the Thunder. So far this 2022-23 season, he's averaging 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He has fueled OKC to playoff contention this campaign, and they could very well fight in the Play-In with the way they are performing right now.
As for LeBron James, he remains sidelined due to his bothersome foot injury. Head coach Darvin Ham said James is expected to return at some point in the regular season (per CBS Sports), but there are fears that he could also miss the rest of the campaign or that he won't be fully healthy when he returns.
Of course the Lakers are still hoping for the best, though fans will have to be patient when it comes to waiting for any update on his status.
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