For the first time since the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking blockbuster trade, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. In the first of a two-game set at the Paycom Center,

The MVP front-runner thinks defeats have given him the proper perspective to chase a title: "Nothing in life is promised."

Even if both fanbases have spent years trying to discredit the other side with mean words and disingenuous arguments, Luka Doncic and the Oklahoma City Thunder have mutual respect. Both have had a long history together that included a heated playoff series — that remains even if the former has switched teams.