Bill Simmons Compares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles, CA – Bill Simmons stirred the pot during a recent episode of ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ by comparing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Simmons discussed how easily Gilgeous-Alexander scores, often reaching over 30 points per game.

“There’s a case that he’s already, at this point in his career, as good of a scorer as Kobe Bryant ever was,” Simmons said, acknowledging that his statement might be considered sacrilegious by Lakers fans.

He added that while Bryant averaged 35 points a game in a season and is still viewed as one of the best shooting guards, he believes Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance is comparable at this stage of their careers.

Chuck Klosterman, Simmons’ guest on the podcast, argued that one factor that sets Bryant apart is his sustained excellence over a lengthy career. Klosterman pointed out that Bryant was a member of the All-NBA First Team eleven times, while Gilgeous-Alexander has achieved this status for three consecutive years.

Interestingly, both players share a common accolade: each has won an NBA MVP award, though Bryant took home the honor only once in 2008, while Gilgeous-Alexander is still working toward that goal.

At just 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has much to accomplish to reach Bryant’s legendary status. Winning his first NBA championship will be critical as the Oklahoma City Thunder currently face the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs, tied 1-1.

As Simmons makes bold comparisons, he, too, faces backlash similar to that of Lakers fans who disagree with his takes.