Credits: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous Alexander Revealed His Favorite Player of All Time

Credits: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s electrifying superstar on the rise, is on the cusp of cementing his legacy as a champion, leading his team to the the 2025 NBA Finals while drawing inspiration from the late Kobe Bryant. Fresh off of a historic season where he claimed the NBA MVP award. SGA has converted the franchise into a powerhouse, that will be a championship contending team for a long time in the NBA. The Thunder went 68-14 in the regular season, and successfully knocked off the Grizzlies, Nuggets, and the Timberwolves. SGA’s relentless scoring prowess and two-way play have drawn comparisons to the Lakers legend, whose relentless drive helped shape SGA’s approach in the game.

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
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025

The Thunder’s Finals appearance, their first since 2012, marks a new era for a franchise once defined by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. SGA’s ability to elevate a young roster has made him the face of Oklahoma City’s resurgence, but are currently trailing 0-1 in the series against the Pacers. With Game 2 looming, SGA’s pursuit of greatness mirrors his favorite player, setting the stage for a promising moment.

SGA’s Mamba Mentality and Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Influence

During a press conference before Game 2, Shai Gilgeous Alexander did not hesitate when ask about Kobe Bryant, declaring, “That’s probably my favorite player of all time.” Though he never met the late great Lakers icon, who passed away in 2020. SGA’s game is heavily influenced by Bryant’s as we see the 2025 MVP take similar contested mid-range shots like Kobe, draw a foul like Kobe, and even his post-up moves look exactly the same as Bryant.

“That's probably my favorite player of all time.”

— SGA on Kobe Bryant

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/UNoCohACX7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 8, 2025

In Game 1, SGA dropped 38-point masterpiece, despite missing the final shot to take the lead. Down 0-1 after Haliburton’s game winning shot in Game 1, SGA’s focus remains unshaken, channeling Bryant’s “job’s not finished” mantra. As he aims to avoid a 2-0 hole, SGA’s leadership and poise could deliver the Thunder it’s first championship since 1979, cementing his place amongst the greats that he idolizes.

“That’s probably my favorite player of all time. I never got the chance to meet him… Hopefully I’m somewhere close to that as a basketball player one day… God rest his soul.” 🙏🏻

– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Kobe Bryant.

(🗣️ H/T @LakersNation) pic.twitter.com/mFaUnq6SDf
— Lakers Better (@LakersBetter) June 8, 2025

Kobe Bryant

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Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.