Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses Lakers, LeBron James ahead of NBA playoffs

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. We don't take them lightly. To make it this far in the season, they can compete with anybody on any given night. We know going into this matchup, we've got to take them seriously. Put our best foot forward. That's what we've been focusing on all week. Just getting better. Making sure we're a better team this week than we were last week. I think we did so."

On facing LeBron James

"Not so much against him, more just the opportunity to play this late in the season. We don't ever take that for granted. There are guys who are really good basketball players who have never played in the playoffs in a moment of their lives. Just the moment itself, just try to take advantage and be very present. Playing against an all-time great like that, you get up for those games."

On LeBron James' legacy

"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. The whole position-less basketball is him. You guys don't need me to sit here and tell you how great a player LeBron James is. It should be a fun matchup. You can really test yourself against him. Obviously, he's a little bit out of his prime, but he's very capable."

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses Lakers, LeBron James ahead of NBA playoffs