“He’s more like LeBron” — Charles Barkley says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is more like LeBron James, not Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan

During his recent visit on the Bill Simmons show, NBA icon Charles Barkley talked about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise to prominence. While talking about the best players he has ever seen, Barkley claimed that although SGA is a good player, he doesn’t have the "killer" mentality. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan have that mentality. His style is more like LeBron James. Barkley's comments coincided with the ongoing discussions on the greatest professional basketball players.

Charles Barkley compares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mentality and style with LeBron James

Former NBA star and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently provided a reason on why he believes LeBron James is not like other basketball legends, like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. During an interview with The Bill Simmons Podcast, he said that, in his opinion, Gilgeous-Alexander is closer to LeBron James than Michael Jordan. He then said: “The three best players I’ve ever seen are Michael [Jordan], Kobe [Bryant], and LeBron [James], and I’ll tell you the difference between the three.”

He continued: “Michael and Kobe were dangerous. They will kill your a–. LeBron is a nice guy, and that’s not a knock. He’s still great, great, great, but he’s a nice guy. Michael and Kobe weren’t nice guys. They’re different. The one thing about OKC, even though I think Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] is a great, great player. To me, he’s more like LeBron. He’s a really nice guy. He’s not out there trying to kill you.” He then utilized the occasion to argue about the mindset that sets players like Jordan and Bryant apart from other all-time legends. He said: “The difference between Michael and Kobe, man, they are dangerous… I mean they really wanted to kill you, humiliate you.

I think Tom Brady is like that… Of all the great players I’ve ever met in my life, I think Michael and Kobe, Tom Brady, Roger Clemens – they are going to do whatever it takes to win. They ain’t worried about who likes them and they ain’t worried about your feelings.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is compared with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan

In 2024–25, Oklahoma City Thunder sensation Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a lasting impression in the NBA. The former Los Angeles Clippers star joined the club of players who have both won the MVP and Finals MVP since the Miami Heat's LeBron James in 2013. On the other hand, as the league's all-time leading scorer in 2023, four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP LeBron James has been widely praised for his endurance, versatility, and leadership.

However, that is different from Jordan. He is a six-time champion and five-time Most Valuable Player. Additionally, he established himself as a tough competitor and relentless, passionate player. Meanwhile, Bryant, five-time Lakers champion, is similarly known for his relentless grit, which is famously referred to as the "Mamba Mentality." Whereas it's true there are individuals like James and Gilgeous-Alexander who are complimented for professionalism and overall contribution, Barkley's sentiments mirror a view held by some retired players. They think that dominance is not necessarily based on skill or accolades, but also on the mindset to do so.Also read: "First championship before LeBron"- Dwyane Wade reveals how he won a ring before LeBron James took over the NBA