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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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The reigning-champion, No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for a second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
This series pits reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against all-time great NBA superstar LeBron James, delivering some serious Western Conference star power.
After practice on Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about what it means to go up against a player like James.
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“I mean, we could sit here all day and talk about all that he’s done for the game. Guy is one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball in the history of human beings," SGA said. "You guys don’t need me to sit here and tell you how great of a player LeBron James is.”
"It should be a great matchup," he continued. "Obviously, he's a little bit out of his prime, but still very, very capable."
More Basketball: Lakers’ JJ Redick Explains Necessary Adjustment for Thunder Series
James carried the Lakers through their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with Luka Doncic out and Austin Reaves returning in Game 5. The 41-year-old NBA veteran averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game as Los Angeles took care of the Rockets in six games.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder made light work of the No. 8 seed Phoenix Suns in Round 1, notching a first-round playoff sweep. The 2026 MVP candidate averaged 33.8 points and 8 assists per game as OKC cruised through the first round.
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More Basketball: Thunders’ Mark Daigneault Gives Jalen Williams Injury Update Before Game 1
Game 1 of the Lakers-Thunder series will tipoff on Tuesday night.
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