Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sets Sights on Surpassing NBA Legend—Can He Rewrite History?

So, here’s a kicker for you: What does it really take to say you wanna be better than Kobe Bryant? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just tossing out casual chatter — the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dazzling dynamo, fresh off an unforgettable championship run and a historic MVP season, has set his sights on eclipsing one of basketball’s brightest legends. Now, that’s not just ambition, that’s a full-blown declaration of war on the status quo. With stats like 32.7 points and Finals MVP honors last season, Shai knows he’s already in the conversation, but the way he puts it — whether I get there or not, we’ll find out — makes you lean in a little closer. It’s boldness, it’s grit, and maybe a sprinkle of audacity. Buckle up, because this isn’t just about basketball greatness; it’s a glimpse into the relentless mind of a player chasing immortality.

2025 NBA Finals - Game Four — (Photo by Kyle Terada – Pool/Getty Images)

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.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Says He Wants ‘To Be Better’ Than NBA Legend appeared first on The Cold Wire.