“Feels Like Yesterday”: A Core Kobe Bryant Memory Never Dims for Fan Klay Thompson Decades Later

Published 08/08/2023, 8:24 AM EDT

What is a legacy? In the context of an NBA player, is it the accolades? The resume of things you accomplish during your tenure? Or, is it the impact you have on the next generation? 7 years after you retire, 3 years after your demise, players still look to you as a hero. That was the case with one Kobe Bryant. Even today, he remains an inspiration, a standard-bearer for most players in the league.

2 of the league’s best came together to discuss the impact he had on them. Further, they shared some of their favorite memories with the Mamba.

Kobe Bryant was a superstar to fans and a hero to kids

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In his career, Klay Thompson has accomplished a ton of things. A 4-time Champion, universally recognized as one of the greatest shooters ever, and one of the NBA’s most beloved personalities, basketball was in the Golden State Warriors legend’s blood.

Son of Mychal Thompson, 2-time NBA Champion, and former first overall pick. Thompson was born into the business, similar to Kobe. However, it was an encounter with Bean that cemented his father’s greatness in the youngster’s eyes.

Since retiring, the elder Thompson was a crucial member of the Los Angeles Lakers side, this time on the management side. Amidst the 2004 NBA Finals, Klay was traveling with his dad. Speaking on Podcast P with Paul George, that’s where he recalls the story taking place.

“This is when I knew my dad really had it…I went with him to Detroit…I’m with my dad and we’re just at a table and of all people to come sit with my dad, it’s Kobe. I’m just like, ‘Wow, you could be sitting anywhere else. You came and wanted to sit with my dad…I’ll never forget that.”

Even after the two championships, it was that moment that cemented his dad’s legacy in the young Thompson’s eyes. “Wow Dad, I can’t believe you actually do this…I know you played in the league but I didn’t know you were this nice, like, you got Kob’s respect…Feels like it was yesterday.”

Of course, knowing your dad is chummy with your idol, the man whose mentality you’ve tried to embody will always be a confidence booster unlike any other.

Klay: “That’s the stuff that impressed me”

Impressing a role model you’ve looked up to for your entire life is always a dream for any individual, let alone an athlete. So, for Klay Thompson to get that opportunity was a dream come true. However, it was one particular moment when he knew he had made it.

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When prompted by everyone’s favorite GOAT, Klay detailed the story that Bryant once said about him. “The NBA Global Games in 2013, I knew I was on the right path…I go up to the weight room…Someone just taps me on the shoulder. I look up, I’m like oh Damn! It was Kobe…I can’t believe I’m in the same gym as this man.”

Bean would later reveal, during his retirement tour, that he knew how good Klay would be because of that moment. “Yeah, I knew Klay would be good when I saw him in the weight room and he was the only other guy there and I was like that’s the stuff that impressed me…I know if I keep doing what I’m doing I’m gonna fulfill my potential.”

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It’s been a long journey for Klay, but the beginnings, from blood to sweat and tears, were always there. And, his mentor, Kobe was along for each step of the ride.

Watch This Story: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal 66YO Buddy Reminisces The “Surreal” Moment When The World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

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Written by:

Priyanshu Choudhary is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. Basketball has been his favorite sport for over a decade, and he has written close to 300 articles. If asked what he loves about the sport, Priyanshu would cite the technique, the breakdown, the ebb and flow and the theatrics that have endeared him since 2009.

Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja

“Feels Like Yesterday”: A Core Kobe Bryant Memory Never Dims for Fan Klay Thompson Decades Later

Kobe Bryant was a superstar to fans and a hero to kids

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Klay: “That’s the stuff that impressed me”