There’s no doubt who the MVP of the 2024–25 NBA season is—and it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has emerged as the league’s most dominant force in a year stacked with elite performances across the board. What’s even more compelling is the deeper meaning behind his rise, which, according to Gilgeous-Alexander, comes with a spiritual influence tied to one of basketball’s greatest icons.
In a recent interview, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed that Kobe Bryant is his favorite player of all time, even though the two never had the chance to meet. “That’s probably my favorite player of all time,” Shai said. “Never got the chance to meet him. Not only for me, but for kids all across the world, his influence has gone through the roof. His legacy will be remembered forever because of the competitor and the basketball player that he was. Hopefully, I’ll be somewhere close to that as a basketball player one day.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 51.9% shooting from the field. His play was central to the Thunder’s rise to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a franchise-best 68–14 record. In an era dominated by offense, SGA’s isolation game drew constant comparisons to the late Lakers legend.
In fact, a side-by-side video comparing Shai’s moves to Kobe’s recently went viral, showing eerie similarities in footwork, fadeaways, and overall control in clutch moments. The resemblance has captivated fans and analysts alike, fueling the narrative that SGA may be the closest thing the league has seen to Bryant in years.
Kobe vs Gilgeous-Alexander in characteristics
Bryant was just 21 when he won his first NBA title and already had three championships by the age of 26—Shai’s current age. Kobe ultimately finished his career as a five-time NBA champion, league MVP, and the fourth-highest scorer in league history with 33,643 points. Those are massive shoes to fill, but SGA isn’t shying away from the challenge.
What separates Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just the stats—it’s the mindset. He’s a product of the generation that grew up idolizing Kobe, and that’s reflected in how he leads the Thunder. From his unrelenting competitiveness to his poise under pressure, SGA channels the “Mamba Mentality” every time he steps on the floor.
Whether or not the Thunder capture the NBA title this year, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the franchise is undeniable. He’s not just a star—he’s the face of a new era in Oklahoma City. With a young, deep roster behind him, he’s positioning the Thunder for sustained success well beyond 2025.
If Kobe Bryant’s legacy was about inspiring the next generation, then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is living proof. He’s not just following in Kobe’s footsteps—he’s forging his own path, and the league is watching every step of the way.