Shai Gilgeous-Alexander comments on where Kobe Bryant ranks among his favorite players of all time

Kobe Bryant continues to have a strong influence on the sport of basketball, even after his passing in 2020.

He remains an icon for many, including the current MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The NBA has seen many influential players over the years, including names like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry .

Like them, Kobe Bryant has remained iconic for many youngsters growing up as basketball fans.

Players from the current generation grew up watching Bryants highlights for the Los Angeles Lakers , which proves his influence.

That will likely continue for a long time because Bryants legacy is secure as a serial winner.

Among those players, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another admirer of Bryants game.

When considering the similarities with their styles , the influence is clear.

Gilgeous-Alexander looks up to Bryants NBA achievements Since 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander has risen in the ranks as one of the NBAs best players.

He began his career as a promising guard with a natural knack for scoring in the paint.

Gilgeous-Alexander has expanded on his game, becoming a fearsome isolation scorer akin to Bryant.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a special talent who learns well from mentors.

That includes Chris Paul, whom he credits as one of the most important mentors he has had.

He loves learning, which is evident in Bryants influence on his game.

JDub on the Shai-Kobe comparison: "There are a lot of similarities there.

Feel like if you are really paying attention to basketball and watch the way he plays, it's a lot of similarities" https://t.co/DR7hd7q21b pic.twitter.com/MygJAcfH73 The 2024-25 MVP even has a similar style with his mid-range jump shots and ability to draw fouls .

Those were Bryant trademarks, which have become a vital part of Gilgeous-Alexanders game.

He is one of the best modern scorers the game has, and he will continue proving himself.

Probably my favorite player of all time.

Never got the chance to meet him.

Not only me, but kids all across the world.

His influence has gone through the roof.

His legacy will be remembered forever, Gilgeous-Alexander said ahead of Game 2 of the Finals.

Because of the competitor and the basketball player that he was.

Hopefully, I can get somewhere close as a basketball player one day.

He was a special talent, special person, and God rest his soul.

Gilgeous-Alexander has a tremendous future in the NBA While he is seven seasons into his NBA career, Gilgeous-Alexander is only 26.

He is only entering his physical prime, meaning he has more untapped potential.

The Canadian guard is already ahead of most players in the league, as proven by his MVP.

If he wants to keep channeling Bryant, the 2025 NBA Finals is an opportunity for him to do so.

He had a fantastic Finals debut performance in Game 1 with his 38 points.

However, he wants to lead his team to victory and a championship.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made HISTORY in Game 1 His 38 PTS are the 3rd-most in a Finals debut EVER, behind only: Allen Iverson (48 2001) George Mikan (42 1949) pic.twitter.com/Bz8Me1Cgbj Gilgeous-Alexander has a bright future ahead of him, possibly reaching the same level as Bryant.

He might be too humble to say it, but he is on track to be an all-time great.

He already has an MVP under his name, and the Thunder look primed to be the Western Conferences next dynasty.

With multiple seasons of averaging 30 points under his belt, Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to become an all-time great.

SGA is a tough defensive assignment; even the iconic Gary Payton has acknowledged he would struggle .

Gilgeous-Alexander wants to live up to his potential and reach a similar level to his idol.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..

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