The Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA celebrated what would have been the 43rd birthday of Laker legend Kobe Bryant on Monday. One of the many personalities in and around the NBA who commemorated Bryant's special day was none other than Klay Thompson, who took a bit of a different approach as he sent out his birthday greeting for the Black Mamba.
The Golden State Warriors star took to Instagram to share a lengthy message about Bryant and the Lakers icon's “badass” reaction to his career-changing Achilles injury.
The Lakers were up against the Warriors during that game and it was Thompson who had to defend Kobe prior to the injury. As such, the Warriors shooting guard was a first-hand witness to Bryant's attempt to shake off what turned out to be an Achilles tear:
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Klay Thompson is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and his defense is elite. This didn't matter much on this particular occasion, though, with Kobe showcasing his entire offensive arsenal against Klay and his Warriors. What stuck with Thompson the most, however, is how the Lakers superstar literally tried to play through the Achilles tear. Bryant was able to take two free throws — on one leg almost — before being forced to exit the game.
Thompson himself has gone through a couple of career-altering injuries himself. He's now on his way to a pivotal comeback, and we're pretty sure he drew a lot of inspiration from the one and only Kobe Bryant throughout his grueling, two-year road to recovery.
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