Site icon Side Action

Vanessa Bryant Reacts to Klay Thompson’s Kobe, Gigi ESPY’s Speech

SGKing

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR CHAMPION - Vanessa Bryant, President of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, accepts the "Be Your Own Champion Award" at the 3rd Annual Sports Power Brunch presented by Champion in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Vanessa was recognized as a leading woman in Sports, her commitment to youth and the community and playing by her own rules to drive inclusion both on and off the field. (Earl Gibson III/Champion via Invision/AP Images)

Don’t call it a comeback.

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson gave thanks to several people during his acceptance speech after winning the Best Comeback Athlete award at Wednesday night’s ESPY awards, but he saved his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant, for last.

During his speech, Thompson talked about going to Lakers games with his Dad to watch Kobe Bryant’s pregame routine.

“The best memories I have growing up here in Southern California are going to STAPLES [Center] with my father. I had a privileged life,” Thompson said in the speech. “He was a commentator for the Lakers, and I would go to every game early just to watch Kobe do his thing.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the Bryant family because — I don’t know if Vanessa’s out there watching — but to Vanessa and her three beautiful girls, we think of Kobe and Gigi every day. I read ‘Mamba Mentality’ every day during rehab.

“Those are the best memories of my life watching him play. He inspired me to be the athlete I am today.”

WANT SOME MORE SIDE ACTION? 👀 Bet $10 GET $200 When You BET on ANY MLB GAME

Watch Klay’s speech below:

Vanessa Bryant appreciated the classy shoutout from the Warriors Splash Brother.

“You’re a class act,” Bryant wrote to Thompson on Instagram. “Thank you for your support and love for Kobe, my Gigi and our family. Thank you for always including my Gigi when you think of Kob. Congratulations.”

After a long road back from two crazy injuries, Klay returned to the Warriors this season and helped the team win its fourth championship in eight years.

Classy dude.

Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!

🔥 Hot from Side Action 🔥