Why Kobe Bryant was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘first big role model’

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be public enemy number one for Los Angeles Lakers fans during the Western Conference Semifinals, but the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar holds no ill-will for the Purple and Gold. Actually, one of the franchise’s most iconic players had a significant impact on No. 2’s approach to the game.

“Kobe Bryant was my first big role model,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in an interview,” per the NBA’s X account. “{Bryant} was the poster for hard work. That’s everything he was. That definitely was the reason I love the game so much.”

The reigning NBA Finals MVP and regular season MVP carries himself with a quiet intensity. He does not get rattled and usually stays even-keeled during postgame interviews. He is as cerebral as he is talented, illustrating a supreme level of preparation almost every time he attacks a defense. One can easily see how Bryant influences Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Michael's the blueprint for basketball."

"Kobe Bryant… the poster for hard work."

Don't miss an exclusive sit-down with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on NBA Showtime at 8 PM ET on NBC before Game 1 of Lakers/Thunder! pic.twitter.com/HnriT81vL2

— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2026

The 27-year-old Canadian boasts a relentless commitment to his craft, and it has enabled him to become one of the best in the sport today, if not the best. He gains inspiration from an ultra-fierce competitor. Now, with a new series beginning, Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping to apply Bryant’s famous “Mamba Mentality” and lead the Thunder one step closer to a second straight championship.

LA will jeer him mercilessly, but the city can certainly appreciate the respect OKC’s centerpiece is extending to the late Lakers legend. Like Kobe Bryant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will try to block out the noise and focus his energy on playing winning basketball. Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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