Many current NBA players have a healthy level of respect for the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, and a good number look up to him.
In fact, some of the league’s younger players grew up idolizing him, as he has been around for 20 seasons now and is still playing at an exceptional level.
Buy Lakers TicketsBut there are those who don’t revere him.
Mario Chalmers, a former teammate of James, recently said that nobody fears going up against him, a sentiment that was echoed by former stars Shaquille O’Neal and Paul Pierce, as well as current Boston Celtics standout Jaylen Brown.
Now, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says he “never liked” the four-time MVP’s game (h/t Lakers Daily).
“I never liked [LeBron's] 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.”
– SGA on LeBron’s game growing up
(Via Pass The Rock h/t @ESPNNBA ) pic.twitter.com/NEf1tuhvnK
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 22, 2023
During February’s NBA All-Star Game, James blocked a dunk attempt from the guard, only to hurt a finger on the play. Afterward, the Oklahoma City lynchpin said he would get James back the next time the two face each other.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having quite a season, averaging 31.4 points and 5.5 assists a game while shooting 51% from the field for the eighth-place Thunder.
The Lakers will face them on Friday night in a game that should have significant playoff implications.
