As a second-generation player, Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson is well-versed when it comes to NBA history. Following a recent ranking of the league's best players ever, the veteran marksman rushed to the defense of one of his generation's greatest talents.
In Bleacher Report's updated rankings, Kobe Bryant finds himself just outside the top 10 at No. 11. Some of the players just ahead of him include Steph Curry, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan. With a loaded resumé from his two-decade-long career with the Lakers, Kobe is a player many have been outraged with.
As people in and around the league discuss this all-time list, Thompson decided to enter the conversation on social media. He made a series of posts on his Instagram story about how people are undervaluing Kobe's impact on the game.
"The level of Kobe disrespect is crazy to see," Thompson wrote on Instagram. "In what world is he number 11 all time? But this has really been getting out of hand for some time now."
Klay Thompson can't believe the disrespect on Kobe Bryant, who landed No. 11 on Bleacher Report's latest Top 100 NBA Players of All Time ranking. pic.twitter.com/qJalyMiofU
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) July 15, 2025As a native of California, Kobe is someone Thompson likely watched heavily as he made his own rise in the sport. He eventually got the square off against the Lakers legend during the first five years of his career with the Golden State Warriors. Years later, he is now defending Kobe's case among basketball's greatest talents.
In terms of what he accomplished, a case can certainly be made for Kobe to be in the top ten instead of just missing the cut. He ended his career in 2016 with a list of accolades that includes being a five-time champion, 18-time All-Star, one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champion, and earning 15 All-NBA nominations.
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