Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best players in the NBA so far this season.
The 24-year-old is presently averaging 31.1 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Although Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout performances haven’t done much to improve the Oklahoma City Thunder from a wins and losses standpoint, their 13th place standing in the Western Conference is still better than the Los Angeles Lakers’ 14th place.
This week, Sam Amick of The Athletic appeared on The Ringer’s ‘Real Ones’ podcast to discuss an interesting topic: how close Gilgeous-Alexander came to being a Laker.
“My mind goes to, even if it’s unlikely at this point, the star player trade,” Amick said.
“… Months ago there was this kind of ‘pie in the sky’ sense from the Lakers of ‘Well, if Oklahoma City completely tanks, let’s go get Shai.’ Like, I heard Shai’s name coming out of that Lakers camp. But it’s just a dream.”
Obviously Gilgeous-Alexander is the sort of player you need a massive haul to acquire, and L.A. lacks that at the moment. So, as Amick said, a trade here likely won’t happen no matter how bad the Thunder get.
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, it will be interesting to see what his ceiling ends up being. Everyone expected him to be good, but nobody figured he would be this good this fast.
Not only is Gilgeous-Alexander thriving on the court, he is also doing quite well for himself off it as well. The photos that came out recently of his girlfriend speak for themselves.
For the Lakers, Gilgeous-Alexander is not a realistic option. That said, they are still being linked to some moves. Adrian Wojnarowski’s recent comments on the matter were telling.
Her reaction speaks for itself. https://t.co/uYzlNzQmzh
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 10, 2022
Will the Lakers be able to acquire a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber at any point in the foreseeable future?
An answer should emerge soon enough.
Related: Paige Spiranac’s Brutally Honest Take On Yankees Legend Derek Jeter
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