Alexander pays tribute to Kobe, but it will take some time to compete with legends.

After the G1 of the NBA Finals, Alexander, who scored 38 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, expressed high respect to Kobe in an interview with reporters. Although he had never met, he was deeply influenced by Mamba's spirit. Then he said: "In my opinion, he is a truly great contender and basketball player, and a very special genius. I hope I can also get close to the basketball height he has reached one day."

As soon as this statement came out, the Internet was in an instant, "The king of striking the porcelain still wants to compete with Kobe? What's the great thing about relying on the referee to score points (9.1 free throws per game)."

However, Alexander's data did explode, averaging 32.7 points, 5 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in the regular season, leading the Thunder to 64 wins, firmly sitting in the top spot in the West. He has 50+ games in four consecutive games, and is the first defender after Jordan to win 40+ games in 30+ games in three consecutive seasons! Although in terms of scoring, no one in the league's defenders can do the right way (with the help of the league)!

However, in terms of style, it is very different from Kobe. What style is Kobe? Playing back and forth singles, resisting the defender, and then taking a picturesque backward jump shot that directly smashes the opponent.

Alexander was a "adhesive breakthrough". How can he explain this?

roughly means playing "patch" with your opponent, relying on your wingspan advantage (2.13 meters), playing fake moves, playing footsteps, and winning fouls. When the referee whistle sounds, two points will be obtained!

The media all complained: "Defense? It's more difficult than drinking soup with a fork!" This is about his "adhesive breakthrough", but this move requires a high control over the body. When breaking through, you need to press one side against the defender tightly. Like a magnet, the two of them "tied" and rushed into the most comfortable position under the basket together. Currently, Alexander is the only one who has played well in the league!

But if you want to be the successor of Mamba, you are more than the champion ring than Kobe!

What is Kobe's achievement? 5 championship rings, 18 All-Stars! Where is Alexander? The road to superstars is just beginning. Although he just won the 2025 regular season MVP and was the first defender who scored 32 points and 6 assists with 50% shooting percentage in a single season, but he has no championship. Is he better than Kobe? It's just drinking too much!

Kobe had four championships when he was 31 years old! Alexander is 26 and has just led the team to the finals. In the historical total score list, Kobe ranked fourth with 33,643 points, and Alexander just passed the 10,000-point mark. Even if the Thunder have a chance to win the championship this year, they want to replicate Kobe's "three consecutive championships" dynasty that year? It also depends on whether other Western teams agree or not!

If you want to compete with Kobe, in addition to honor, your spiritual attributes are not up to par with Kobe. What is Kobe's "Mamba Spirit"? It’s just a little hero who wants to win if he is desperate and can’t beat him! Shouting on the court, igniting the whole audience! Alexander is more like an "old man", with his experience and performance online, but he lacks the "hard" attribute!

With the honor and reputation shown by SGA, it is still somewhat terrifying to be comparable to Kobe. However, it is a good thing for young people to have some dreams, but they cannot be too ambitious. They will try to win a championship first!

This year is 80% the time when the Thunder have the most chance to win the O'Brien Cup. Next season, with the lineup of various Western teams adjusting, it will be not easy to enter the Western Conference Finals again! So what do you think about Alexander's speech this time?