LeBron James Tabs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander As Pass The Torch Player

At NBA All-Star Weekend, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received a lot of compliments from his peers, none bigger than LeBron James tabbing the Thunder star as a player that he could pass the torch.

Throughout NBA All-Star Weekend, the conversation has centered around the future of the league. One topic of discussion has been who will take on the role of the face of the league once LeBron James retires. Players and media to the commissioner were all asked the question.

"Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] and [Anthony Edwards], I feel like those are two of the guys that could continue the torch after I am done, after Steph [Curry], [Kevin Durant], the guys have had carried the standard for years...Those young guys are amazing, looking forward to just see those guys going out and show what they are capable of." LeBron James told the TNT crew ahead of Sunday Night's All-Star game. 

When the current face of the sport is offering someone up as the face of the league, it is important to listen. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the top players in the sport and only seems to be getting better.

The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar is right in the thick of the MVP conversation, and averaging 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 54 percent from the floor, 37 percent from 3-point land, and 88 percent from the free throw line. 

When Gilgeous-Alexander was asked the same question, he said, "I have no clue. I think that's your guys' job to decide and figure out. But it will be an amazing league regardless. Obviously, he's done amazing things for this league and for the game of basketball. You don't want to take him for granted, obviously. But when he's gone, yeah, it will still be great."

Though it is impossible to project who will replace LeBron James, and in reality, it is best to take a wait-and-see approach, Gilgeous-Alexander certainly deserves to be in the conversation. 

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