SGA’s Mamba Ambition: Why I’m Not Mad at It

OKC’s superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just keeps on talking his talk, and to be honest, he’s earned the right to.

The man already has a championship, a Finals MVP, a Western Conference Finals MVP, and a scoring title.

As a matter of fact, let’s check the actual receipts real quick:

✅ Became the only player since 1998 to win the Scoring Title, Regular Season MVP, NBA Championship, and Finals MVP in the same season.

✅ Had the longest single-season streak of 20-point games (72) since 1963–64.

✅ Averaged 32.7 points per game in a championship season — the most in NBA history, passing Michael Jordan’s 32.6 in 1993.

Yeah, SGA didn’t just have a good year; he had a legendary one. But apparently, that isn’t enough for him.

In a recent interview with GQ’s Yang-Yi Goh, SGA said this:

“I pick up a basketball to be the best. If you’re asking me if I want to be better than Kobe [Bryant], of course I do. Whether I get there or not, we’ll find out.”

Now, do I think SGA will ever be better than Kobe “Bean” Bryant? Hell nah.

Kobe Bryant is a Top 5 player of all time.  If you disagree, I need you to head straight to your nearest urgent care and get drug tested.

Let’s talk numbers. The Black Mamba’s résumé is longer than a Costco receipt:

🏆 5x NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)

🏆 2x Finals MVP

🏆 2008 MVP

🌟 18x All-Star

💪 11x All-NBA First Team

🔒 9x All-Defensive First Team

🔥 2x Scoring Champ

💥 81 points in one game (second most in NBA history)

And oh yeah, both No. 8 and No. 24 hang from the rafters — that’s how legendary he was.

So yeah, SGA’s got a ways to go before we even whisper his name next to Kobe’s in the same breath.

But here’s where I’ll give him his flowers, and I mean that.

SGA believes in himself. And if we’re keeping it a buck, that’s the same energy Kobe had when he said he’d surpass MJ.

And look how that turned out.

NBA legend Paul Pierce even backed up the comparison:

“He’s like Kobe, lowkey,” Pierce said. “He’s shifty, he gets to that midrange, he’s got footwork, pump fakes — man, I’m telling you, Kobe.”

And honestly, you can see it. The pacing, the confidence, the footwork, and the control. SGA's got that “I’m gonna cook you slow” type of bag.

Now, let’s not get crazy; he’s not Kobe. But he’s got the mentality that makes you respect the chase.

He’s already an MVP, a Finals MVP, and a champion, and he’s still talking about getting better.

“Every season you get better in the offseason, the NBA adjusts, and then you learn something new,” SGA said. “At this point, it’s more about timing and endurance… knowing when to capitalize on a moment.”

That’s not just a quote; that’s Mamba Mindset 2.0.

So maybe, just maybe, Shai isn’t trying to be Kobe. He’s trying to become the Kobe of his era.

And whether he reaches that level or not, one thing’s for sure: the league’s officially on SGA watch.