Ex-NBA Player Believes the Thunder Has the Best Situation in All of Sports - Dec 20, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a three-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

'The Same People Calling Me Corny Couldn’t Hold My Water' – Oklahoma City Thunder Star Sends Strong Message to Bashers After Kobe Bryant Tribute

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 6:50 AM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams paid homage to Kobe Bryant by sharing a side-by-side photo of himself and the Los Angeles Lakers legend, where both players wore pajamas at the free throw line with one hand on the ball.

The picture went viral on social media, and a handful of netizens called Williams “corny” for comparing himself to Bryant. And the Oklahoma City Thunder star let his intrusive thoughts win when he replied to an Instagram comment by a fan.

“Jdub how do you feel about people saying you are corny for that Kobe pic (I’m not one of those people)?” a fan asked via Clemente Almanza of the Thunder Wire.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams Calls Undrafted Guard Nov 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“tbh the same people calling me corny couldn’t hold my water in real life, prolly would ask for a selfie if we was face to face,” Williams replied.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receives his flowers from Indiana Pacers star

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, where he reflected on his team’s Cinderella run to the NBA Finals.

Jun 24, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, holds up a heart shape with his hands for fans during the Oklahoma City Thunder Champions parade. Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Despite falling short against the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games, especially after he tore his Achilles in the first period, the two-time NBA All-Star didn’t hesitate to praise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the team.

“Shai is the MVP for a reason. I think that he gets paint touches at an elite level. Does a great job of getting to his spots, can score at all three levels,” Haliburton said. “The season he put together is one of the greatest seasons in NBA history.”