Shai Gilgeous-Alexander caught the NBA world off guard by boldly predicting his position among the greatest players in league history. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is coming off a historic season in which he won both the regular-season and Finals MVP awards.
By leading the OKC Thunder past the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander has undoubtedly established himself as one of the best players currently dominating the league. However, some may wonder how much Gilgeous-Alexander believes in himself and where he sees himself in the sport’s hierarchy.
Does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Want To Be the Next Kobe Bryant?
Although Michael Jordan and LeBron James dominate the infamous GOAT debate, many fans have the late Los Angeles Lakers legend as a part of the discussion. Kobe Bryant is considered one of the most skilled and hardworking stars to ever play in the NBA.
Due to his inspiring mentality and playstyle, Bryant has transformed into a “symbolic mentor” for several players of the current generation. Gilgeous-Alexander did not hesitate to reveal in an interview with GQ Magazine that he is looking to prove that he is better than Bryant.
In his own words, “I pick up a basketball to be the best. If you’re asking me if I want to be better than Kobe, of course I do. Whether I get there or not, we’ll find out.”
SGA says he wants to be better than Kobe
“I pick up a basketball to be the best. If you’re asking me if I want to be better than Kobe, of course I do. Whether I get there or not, we’ll find out.”
(Via @GQMagazine / h/t @TalkBasket ) pic.twitter.com/CpXE41LWAD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 13, 2025
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s critics and diehard Bryant fans will be quick to dismiss any notion of the OKC Thunder star surpassing the five-time NBA champion, there is no denying the similarity in their abilities and playstyle.
Bryant already won three NBA championships as soon as he entered the league, something that Gilgeous-Alexander was unable to do. However, fans should keep in mind that Gilgeous-Alexander is 27 years old and just entered his prime. Moreover, he has been averaging more than 30 points a game for three seasons, a feat that few other stars across the league have been able to accomplish.
Also Read: NBA GMs Snub Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Pick the 2025–26 MVP Favorite
If he is able to win a few more championships as the best player on his team, even the critics who frequently call out and attack Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-baiting tactics will have no choice but to admit that he deserves to be mentioned when discussing the greatest players in the league’s history.
Since Bryant is a fan favorite, the basketball community is unlikely to consider Gilgeous-Alexander better. Given that no team in recent history has been able to defend its position as NBA champions, Gilgeous-Alexander’s attempt to do so with the OKC Thunder this upcoming season will go a long way in the case he is trying to substantiate his claims.
