As the Oklahoma City Thunder advance toward the NBA Finals, their star player and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has sparked a discussion with comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Amid the Thunder being just two wins away from a championship, some observers find parallels between the two shooting guards compelling, but not everyone agrees with this narrative.
Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Bryant are exceptional two-way shooting guards with a strong midrange game, earning MVP honors and early career success. They are recognized for their competitive mindsets, though Gilgeous-Alexander’s mentality is often seen as different from Bryant’s famed Mamba Mentality. Despite these similarities, former Lakers star Gary Payton strongly rejects the comparison.
Gary Payton Rejects Comparison Between Gilgeous-Alexander and Kobe Bryant
Having been Kobe Bryant’s teammate during the 2003-04 season, Gary Payton witnessed firsthand the rise of the legendary player. During an appearance on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe, Chad Ochocinco, and Joe Johnson, Payton expressed his firm opposition to likening Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Bryant, insisting that Kobe’s impact and legacy are unmatched.
“Nowhere near Kobe, man. There’s going to be one Kobe, that’s it. I don’t care what y’all say, it’s only one Kobe… Don’t y’all compare people to people, especially somebody like Kobe Bryant. Let Shai be Shai, i dont think he’s Kobe yet, I dont think he ever will be Kobe. He’s a great basketball player, but you guys, slow down. It ain’t gonna be no more Kobe’s. Kobe was a different beast, you know what I’m saying? So don’t compare him to that.”
— Gary Payton, Former NBA Player
Payton’s remarks highlight the reluctance among some veterans to make head-to-head comparisons across generations. His view holds that Kobe Bryant’s status is singular, cautioning fans and analysts to allow Gilgeous-Alexander to develop his own identity rather than be measured against a basketball icon.
Evaluating the Early Career Success of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While it may be premature to equate Gilgeous-Alexander with Bryant, the Thunder star’s recent performance has been impressive. Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged over 30 points per game for three straight seasons and finished among the top five in MVP voting during each of those years. His offensive efficiency, particularly in midrange shooting and scoring at the rim, rivals that of many elite players.
Defensively, Gilgeous-Alexander is effective, though most acknowledge he does not yet match Bryant’s defensive prowess. Despite this, his all-around skills and leadership have been critical to Oklahoma City’s deep playoff run and have put him on the radar as one of the NBA’s top talents.
Paul Pierce’s Perspective on Kobe Bryant’s Legacy and Jordan Comparisons
Kobe Bryant’s Hall of Fame career included five NBA championships and numerous memorable performances, with a peak period that saw the Lakers reach three straight NBA Finals from 2008 to 2010. These Finals featured intense matchups against the Boston Celtics, where Bryant displayed his scoring ability, leading all players with 30.1 points per game during the 2008 playoffs despite the Lakers falling short. He later claimed Finals MVP honors when the Lakers defeated the Celtics in 2010 in a dramatic seven-game series.
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, who frequently guarded Bryant during their fierce rivalry, praised Kobe as the closest player to Michael Jordan in terms of playing style and competitive fire. This acknowledgment reinforces Kobe’s place among the greatest players ever and illustrates why some hold him in such high regard, making comparisons a sensitive topic.
The Weight of Comparing Generational Talents
Comparisons like the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Kobe Bryant comparison debate often ignite strong reactions, especially from those who witnessed Bryant’s career firsthand. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements are remarkable, Bryant’s unique combination of skill, championship success, and cultural impact set a high bar. The debate underscores a broader conversation in sports about respecting the legacies of past legends while celebrating rising stars on their own terms.
As the Thunder continue their push for the NBA title, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s development will likely fuel further comparisons. However, Gary Payton’s comments remind fans and analysts alike to appreciate Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual talents without hastily placing him on equal footing with an all-time great.