November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24, back) controls the basketball defended by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Klay Thompson Made His Feelings Clear About Kobe Bryant

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Klay Thompson is one of the best guards in NBA history.

The four-time NBA Champion (who is from Los Angeles) grew up a big fan of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

On Saturday, Bryant would have celebrated his 47th birthday.

Podcast P with Paul George posted clips of guests on their show (who spoke about Bryant over the years).

One of those guests was Thompson.

Thompson: "I would go to the games with my pops. Be there at 3 P.M. and watch Kobe warm up. I could be there all day in the arena, because it was like a dream. I would wait in that tarmac the whole time until Kobe came out just to see him and say what's up... There's not many dudes in the league who when you're a rookie will make you starstruck and that was one of them. I was just like I can't believe I'm lining up against you, bro. I've watched your whole career, and now I'm guarding you."