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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared a post on Instagram that showcased the difference between Kobe Bryant's attitude after a series loss compared to LeBron James' Lakers. Kobe once revealed his mindset on a podcast, who was then cut in with LeBron from after Game 5 to create a funny video that brings LeBron's accomplishments down.
"I hate losing. It's a tough loss. They played extremely well and we have to get ready for the offseason. Next season for us, starts right now... We have a million-to-one excuses we could have made but we didn't make any. They played better than us in this series, we had opportunities to go get it, but it doesn't go for us. I will push until exhaustion."
Those quotes in contrast with what LeBron had to say show a difference in mentality, as James was quick to blame the outside circumstances that restricted the Lakers.
"Our season has been derailed by injuries, guys in and out. I talked about it all year, it's hard to say what we are or what we can be because we had yet to be home. We were probably home once or twice this season, and one of them was the In-Season Tournament. We were hit with injuries after injuries, and it's hard to come back from that."
It seems Shai is taking subliminal shots toward James, whom many hoopers have long criticized for his on-court mentality. While player rankings on the GOAT always see LeBron's name get more support every season, plenty of stars have negative feelings toward James.
LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists this season, but Shai thoroughly outplayed him for his Thunder squad by averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
LeBron And Shai Have Had Tense Moments
There's been a small rivalry brewing between Shai and LeBron, as fans have seen their matchups get chippier every season. The Thunder were pulling off shock victories over the Lakers in the last two seasons, even spoiling the night LeBron became the league's all-time scoring leader.
Something about the losses in previous seasons prompted the Lakers to lock in for games against the Thunder this season. The Lakers won their season series over the Thunder 3-1, with the No. 1 seed being uncompetitive against the Lakers and LeBron.
Shai has previously said he doesn't like LeBron's game and believes it's predicated on athleticism and not skill.
"His game, I never really liked his game," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "To me, when I was younger, he was just super athletic, I wasn't that. He was 6'8 and super strong, and I wasn't that either. So I never like, related... Just kill you with skill. It is fun beating Bron."
LeBron averaged 26.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in four matchups with Shai this season, while Shai averaged 27.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. They are on entirely different career timelines right now, so it's unlikely this rivalry will evolve into beef. James will likely walk off into the sunset while Shai hopefully continues leading the Thunder atop the NBA.
If Kobe's mindset helps Shai bring success to OKC, that's all he needs to follow regardless of what fans might say.
More must-reads:
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