Kobe Bryant continues to have a strong influence on the sport of basketball, even after his death in 2020.
The NBA has seen many influential players over the years, including names like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. Like them, Kobe Bryant remains iconic to many young people who grew up as basketball fans.
Players of the current generation grew up watching the highlights of Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. It will probably last for a long time, as Bryant’s legacy is safe as a serial winner.
Of those players, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shy Gilgauss Alexander is another admirer of Bryant’s game. Considering similarities to style, the impact is clear.
Since 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander has been ranked as one of the best players in the NBA. He began his career as a promising security guard with a natural knack for scoring in paint. Gilgeous-Alexander expanded his game and became a terrifying, isolated scorer similar to Bryant.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a special talent that you often learn from your mentors. That includes Chris Paul, whom he believes as one of the most important leaders he has. He loves to learn. This is evident in Bryant’s influence on his game.
2024-25 MVP has a similar style to his midrange jump shots and foul drawing ability. They are Bryant’s trademarks and have become an important part of the Gilgauss Alexander game. He is one of the best modern scorers the game has and he continues to prove himself.
“Perhaps my favourite player of all time. I had no chance to meet him. Not just me, but kids all over the world. His influence passed through the roof.
“His legacy will be remembered forever,” Gilgaus Alexander said ahead of Game 2, the final.
“Thanks to my rivals and basketball players. One day, I hope to be able to get closer to somewhere as a basketball player. He was a special talent, a special person, and God has given his soul a rest.”
He has spent seven seasons in his NBA career, but Gilgeous-Alexander is only 26 years old. He’s only in physical prime. The Canadian security guard is already ahead of most players in the league, as evidenced by his MVP.
If he wants to continue channeling Bryant, the 2025 NBA Finals is an opportunity for him to do so. He made an excellent final performance in Game 1 with 38 points. However, he wants to lead his team to victory and championships.
Gilgeous-Alexander has a brighter future than him, and will likely reach the same level as Bryant. He may be too humble to say that, but he is on track to become the best ever. He already has an MVP in his name, and it appears that Thunder is being made the next dynasty of the Western Conference.
With multiple seasons under his belt, Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to be the best ever. SGA is a tough defensive assignment. Even the iconic Gary Payton admits he struggles. Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping to meet his potential and reach a similar level as his idol.