LeBron James believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has added a master-level skill to his game – and it’s one that opponents still haven’t figured out how to stop.
During a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James praised the reigning NBA MVP for his ability to manipulate defenses and consistently earn trips to the free-throw line, calling it a defining weapon in Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom.
“You’ve got to keep him off the free-throw line, which is hard,” James said on the podcast, co-hosted by Steve Nash. “He knows how to manipulate the game in a good way. He’s always looking for hands, arms, and elbows if you’re in his space. That’s just our game right now. It’s how James Harden was when he was dominant in Houston.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring craft has fueled Oklahoma City’s dominance over the past year. Fresh off leading the Thunder to the 2025 NBA championship, the 26-year-old has guided OKC to the league’s best record this season while cementing himself as one of the NBA’s most difficult players to defend.
Shai is indifferent to criticism
SGA is averaging 32.5 points per game – second in the league behind Lakers star Luka Doncic – along with 4.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest.
While critics often focus on his ability to draw fouls, Gilgeous-Alexander ranks only third in the NBA in free-throw attempts per game at 9.4. Doncic leads the league at 12.1, followed by Portland’s Deni Avdija at 9.9.
Despite frequent discussion around foul-baiting, Gilgeous-Alexander has remained unfazed. Following a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 20, he dismissed concerns about officiating and emphasized that his focus remains solely on improvement and winning.
“I don’t care. Not one bit,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I can’t control how the refs blow the whistle, ever. All I can do is play basketball, and that’s all I focus on – trying to win games and championships.”
The Thunder are gearing up for another deep playoff run
The Thunder have lost just three games this season and are poised for another deep playoff run after winning 67 games last year. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the center, supported by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City continues to look like a long-term contender.
And if James’ assessment is any indication, Gilgeous-Alexander’s mastery of drawing contact isn’t a flaw – it’s a skill that now places him firmly among the league’s elite.
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