It’s no secret that Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is a Kobe Bryant fan.
Thompson was born in Los Angeles, and rooted for the Lakers as a kid since he grew up in Orange County. He’s also said to have idolized Kobe Bryant, and that the Lakers superstar played a key role in his development.
The Warriors and Thompson faced off against Bryant and the Lakers for the final time in the veteran’s 20-year career, with Los Angeles listed as 18-point underdogs in the Western Conference matchup.
The Lakers, though, shocked the world and pulled off the 112-95 upset at Staples Center, and it was the biggest upset in the NBA’s past 20 years.
Thompson and Bryant spoke after the game, and the Lakers star gave the Warriors guard his game-worn jersey. Bryant autographed it and also inscribed the following words.
“To Klay, it’s been a pleasure watching you grow into the player you are! Keep going!”
The Warriors may have left Los Angeles without a win, but Thompson received a very nice gift from Bryant.