Klay Thompson reveals how Kobe Bryant watching sophomore Luka Doncic made him aware of Mavericks superstar's 'special' talent

Klay Thompson and Luka Doncic are avid fans of the late Kobe Bryant. Thomas grew up watching LA Lakers games, while Doncic calls the legend one of his biggest motivators. Two of the biggest Bryant fanatics teamed up when the Dallas Mavericks traded for the former Golden State Warriors sharpshooter in the offseason.

Thompson said on Monday when asked what he learned from talking with the "Black Mamba:"

“Kobe was one of the most intelligent athletes to ever grace this earth. He was the ultimate competitor. … My memories of Kobe are very fond, especially growing up in Southern California.

“That’s the first thing I told Luka when we met. I was like, ‘Man I knew you were gonna be special.’ He brought Kobe out of the house to go watch him play. Kobe doesn’t just give that love to those who don’t earn it.”

Kobe Bryant attended the LA Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 29, 2019. Luka Doncic got a taste of Bryant's trash-talking when the five-time NBA champ heckled him in Slovenian. Doncic, surprised by “the language” KB 24 used, briefly shared a laugh with the beloved Laker.

After the game, Doncic met Bryant and his daughter Gigi. The iconic meeting, captured in a photo, remains the cover of Doncic's X (formerly Twitter) account.

Klay Thompson realized that meeting was Kobe Bryant’s sign of approval for the emerging greatness of the then-sophomore guard.

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Klay Thompson put on an impressive show without Luka Doncic to celebrate fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death

Jan. 26 marked the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death. Klay Thompson marked the event with an impressive outing for the Dallas Mavericks. The four-time champ gave his team a boost as Luka Doncic watched from the sidelines because of injury.

Thompson blasted through the Washington Wizards defense with 21 first-quarter points. He went 7-for-21 from deep to push the Mavericks to a 42-16 lead. The sizzling start was all the Doncic-less team needed to cruise to a resounding 130-108 victory.

Thompson told reporters:

“I still think about him and Gigi every day. … It’s still crazy to think that he’s not here.”

Bryant died in 2020, but his impact on Klay Thompson, Luka Doncic and numerous basketball players continues to reverberate.