Klay Thompson accepted the Best Comeback Athlete award at Wednesday night’s ESPY awards.
While he thanked many people, he saved his idol and his daughter for last.
In his thank you speech, Thompson mentioned the late Laker great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi Bryant.
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant thanked Thompson for his words and for not failing to mention their daughter in his speech.
“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.”
Vanessa Bryant thanks Klay for his tribute to Kobe and Gigi at the ESPYS ❤️
(via Vanessa Bryant/IG) pic.twitter.com/goswDflYTo
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 21, 2022
During his speech, Thompson recalled the days of tagging along with his dad, Mychal Thompson, to Lakers games to watch 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.”
Klay with a tremendous speech after winning Best Comeback Athlete 👏pic.twitter.com/Md60GP8wyu
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 21, 2022
After a long road back from two major injuries, Klay Thompson returned to the Warriors on Jan. 9 and helped the team to its fourth championship in the last eight years.
He is a deserving winner of the award, and his speech will be remembered by the Bryant family for years to come.