Alexander: I want to be a better player than Kobe

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said in an interview with "GQ" magazine that he hopes to become a better player than Kobe Bryant.

Alexander won the regular season MVP and Finals MVP in the 2024-25 season, becoming the fourth player in history to win both MVP and scoring titles. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jordan and O'Neal had done it before.

Alexander said: "I play basketball just to be the best player. If you ask me, do I want to be better than Kobe, of course. Whether I can do it, let's see."

Alexander, who has just turned 27, is entering his peak period. He has averaged at least 30 points per game for 3 consecutive seasons. In the past season, he averaged 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1 block, and only 2.4 turnovers per game. The true shooting percentage has been around 63% for three consecutive seasons.

Alexander said: "I still feel that I can enter a higher level. Every season you get stronger in the offseason. The NBA just adapts to you and you evolve again. At this stage, I know how to shoot from every position on the court. When I want to take a shot, I can get what I want. The important thing is timing and top-level patience, knowing when to seize the opportunity. "Opponents rarely talk trash to me," Alexander said. "When I go on the court, I will score 30 points, win, and go home." Crazy stuff."