Getty

The second-round playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers will be competitive. But, it will also be full of respect.

Ahead of the series, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed some serious respect for Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Calls LeBron James ‘One of the Best Players to Ever Pick Up a Basketball’

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)

It will be Gilgeous-Alexander’s first time going head-to-head with James in a playoff series, and he’s excited about the opportunity.

“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.”

Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t the only Thunder player to show respect to The King ahead of the playoff series. Chet Holmgren also expressed admiration for James’ longevity.

“First of all, it’s very impressive. Growing up, I used to play at Life Time a lot. There were a lot of 41-year-olds that weren’t moving too well,” Holmgren said.

“I think that’s extremely impressive, not only his physical ability but also his mentality to be that focused and locked in that long period of time,” Holmgren continued. “I think that’s impressive. Credit to him for that.”

Oklahoma City Thunder-Los Angeles Lakers Postseason History

GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass while being defended by Jaylin Williams #6 and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on February 9, 2026 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 Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

The series between the Thunder and Lakers will be the third ever series between the teams. The Lakers bested the Thunder in six games in the first round in 2010, while the Thunder eliminated the Lakers in five games in the Western Conference semifinals in 2012.

There were also many other previous playoff meetings between the franchises when the Thunder were the Seattle Supersonics.