Klay Thompson has had an incredible return to the NBA after consecutive debilitating injuries that left him sidelined for over two years. Klay tore his ACL in 2019 during the Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Just as he headed from that injury, he would tear his Achilles in the 2020 pre-season and would miss another season.
Thompson returned in January 2022 and picked up right where he left off, being an integral part of the 2022 Golden State Warriors championship-winning squad. While it wasn’t the same old Klay we knew prior to the injury, he was just as lethal and had the same propensity to go on scorching shooting streaks.
Thompson was awarded the ESPY for Comeback of the Year for his achievements this season and thanked Kobe Bryant during his speech for helping him become the athlete that he is and motivating him to work through rehab.
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1549951774437416960
“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.”
Kobe was a mentor to many and saw Klay grow up around the Lakers when Mychal Thompson served as a commentator for the team.
Watching greatness in action wasn’t lost on Klay, who eventually competed against Kobe and won a championship in 2015 before Kobe had even retired. This was a heartwarming shout-out to a legend and a mentor.
