The NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been vocal about Kobe Bryant being his biggest influence, having repeatedly gone on record to express his admiration for the late NBA legend.
Bryant is widely considered one of the best shooting guards of all time, and many have compared him to Michael Jordan, whom many regard as the greatest player ever. Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear where he stands on that debate.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Explains Why He Has Kobe Bryant Over Michael Jordan
On June 7, a video from 2022 was shared by Ball is Life’s X account, where Gilgeous-Alexander explained why he ranks Bryant ahead of Jordan as the best NBA player ever.
“Kobe is Michael Jordan, just on steroids,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Kobe has five rings… and I’m saying all-around, Kobe Bryant…Kobe one, (LeBron James) two, MJ three. They’re all amazing. They’re all the best ever.”
SGA: “Kobe is Michael Jordan just on steroids… Kobe one, Bron two & Mike three.”
pic.twitter.com/P3Slq6APFO https://t.co/eN6XKN4qh0
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 7, 2025
This video resurfaced following Gilgeous-Alexander’s comments about Bryant ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals while speaking with reporters, per the NBA’s X account. He praised Bryant’s legacy and lasting influence.
“He’s probably my favorite player of all-time,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “…His influence has gone through the roof. His legacy will be remembered forever because of the competitor and the basketball player he was. Hopefully, I’m somewhere close to that as a basketball player someday, but he was a special talent, special person, and God rest his soul.”
“He’s probably my favorite player of all time.”
“His legacy will be remembered forever.”#KiaMVP SGA on Kobe Bryant at Game 2 Media Day 🐍 pic.twitter.com/JajkeU2eoY— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander entered the NBA in 2018, two years after Bryant retired.
His words reflect the profound influence Bryant had on the generation of players who followed him. It wasn’t just about Bryant’s talent, but his relentless drive to be the best. Neither player was considered a surefire star — Bryant was drafted 13th overall in 1996, and Gilgeous-Alexander was taken 11th in 2018. Both were selected by the Charlotte Hornets and traded on draft night.
The Thunder star may not play exactly like Bryant, but his legacy could eventually rival that of his idol.
In the same video, Gilgeous-Alexander also called Thunder franchise legend Kevin Durant the most skilled player in league history.
“Skill alone, KD’s No. 1,” he said. “KD’s 7 feet and can do everything Steph Curry can do.”
Durant, of course, was a beloved Thunder star, winning MVP and helping lead OKC to the 2012 NBA Finals alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden—both of whom also went on to win MVP honors.
Gilgeous-Alexander is now Oklahoma City’s third MVP, following Durant and Westbrook. He has a chance to win the team’s first NBA championship, as the Thunder face the Indiana Pacers in the Finals and look to bounce back from a 1–0 series deficit.
