Born in Scotland with little more than savings, Alex McKechnie built a reputation as a physio in Vancouver. When Shaquille O'Neal demanded an urgent consult, McKechnie held firm, delayed the meeting and later delivered a Core‑X program that returned the star to the Los Angeles Lakers without surgery. The success cemented his status among NBA elites.

Within weeks the Lakers signed McKechnie to a contract, placing him courtside beside Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and a host of guests. His hands kept O'Neal healthy through weight swings, while his core‑stability methods revived former England footballer Owen Hargreaves after two injury‑ridden years. His influence seeped into training staff, reshaping rehab protocols league‑wide. Teams across the league now model their rehab after his protocols.

In 2011 McKechnie returned to Canada as an assistant to Raptors coach Nick Nurse, later joining the franchise’s front office. He helped keep Kawhi Leonard on the floor during Toronto’s 2019 championship run, earning his sixth NBA title. Vice‑president, he has logged 26 regular seasons and remains a consultant for League clubs. He travels with the team, converting hotel rooms into treatment suites before game.