Klay Thompson found solace and motivation in Kobe Bryant’s words about him when he rehabilitating from his devasting ACL injury.
The Golden State Warriors star missed two years of action on the court and returned last season after a lengthy 941-day layoff. During his two-and-a-half-year recovery period, Thompson developed a habit that he still remembers and credits.
Every day, the F/G would watch the video of the late Kobe Bryant calling him a stone-cold killer, and that served as a source of comfort and hope.
In an interview with ESPN, the Lakers legend, considered to be a “stone-cold killer” himself, had pointed out Thompson and his teammate Stephen Curry when asked which players had the same instinct as the ‘Black Mamba.’
Kobe calls Klay and Steph 'stone-cold killers.' 🐍🏀
(🎥: @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/1BY6Dyg6eG
— theScore (@theScore) May 11, 2019
“There’s several of them, I think, out there right now that approach the game extremely, extremely seriously. Klay and Steph seem very calm and nice guys, those guys are stone-cold killers.”
In an interview with Fox Sports, Thompson recollected how those words meant a lot to the man he constantly had a connection with.
“I was elated. I was just really excited because I just really idolized him growing up, especially growing up down there [in Orange County]. Everything I try to do on a basketball court, I try to emulate him. I just really loved his work ethic and style of play. For him to say that just made me feel really good about myself.”
What was actually a compliment from Bryant, later served as the biggest mode of inspiration for Thompson as he used it while doing every activity — be it lifting weights, his conditioning, or even when he was going through a low phase.
Thompson has been a huge Bryant fan, and for those who are aficionados of both these players, this story comes as a heartening tale.
Klay Thompson’s Heartfelt Message To Kobe Bryant During ESPYS 2022
Klay Thompson will forever be grateful to Bryant for helping him get through the most challenging time in his life. And he expressed that gratitude when he was awarded the ESPY for Comeback of the Year last season.
Taking the stage, he was lavish in his praise for the Lakers superstar who had gifted him a copy of ‘The Mamba Mentality’ with a personalized message.
“The best memories I had growing up in Southern California was coming to STAPLES with my father. I have had a privileged life, my dad was a commentator for the Lakers. I’d go to every game early just to watch Kobe do his thing. I’d like to thank the Bryant family.
I don’t know if Vanessa is out there watching, but I’d like to thank Vannessa and her three kids. We think of Kobe and Gigi every day. I read Mamba Mentality every day during rehab, those were the best memories, watching him play. He inspired me to be the athlete I am today.”
Bryant was one of the most adored and respected players in the NBA, not just by fans but by his competitors as well.
While he and Thompson did square off in 2015, there’s no doubt that the latter still has a lot of love and admiration for the man instrumental in helping the Warriors star make his return to basketball.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
