Over the last few years, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been focused on becoming the best player and team leader in the league.
He finally reached the NBA mountaintop last year when his Thunder became champions.
Gilgeous-Alexander knows he’s one of the greatest players alive, but he’s still attempting to improve.
He recently said that he wants to be better than someone considered the GOAT by many: Kobe Bryant.
“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,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
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
This comment might ruffle the feathers of some Los Angeles Lakers fans, but it’s important to note that Gilgeous-Alexander says he’s not better than Bryant, at least not yet.
But he wants to be, because he wishes to be a stronger player than anyone who has come before him.
He doesn’t see this as a dig against Bryant, but rather a testament to how much he believes in himself.
He has every reason for that confidence, especially after last season.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a league-high 32.7 points, along with 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on 51.9 percent from the field.
And, of course, he was named MVP, Finals MVP, and a champion.
Gilgeous-Alexander did just about everything last year, and it was a truly historic season.
If he has many more like it, he will be in the conversation as one of the best of all time.
That is his goal, and he will not rest until people mention his name along with Bryant and other NBA legends.
NEXT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Opens Up About Retiring From NBA