Klay Thompson fires up over Kobe’s ranking and sparks outrage

Klay Thompson launched from deep—not with a basketball, but with a fiery and unfiltered critique of HoopsHype’s latest ranking, which slotted Kobe Bryant at the 14th spot among all-time NBA greats.

The post ignited social media and stirred up the emotions of the Golden State Warriors guard. Klay Thompson didn’t hold back, firing off a blunt and brief message: “WTF is wrong with y’all?” And really, who could blame him? The name Kobe Bryant commands instant respect in basketball circles—it’s timeless and transcends generations.

Klay Thompson and the legacy he honors

That legacy is one Klay Thompson knows intimately. He’s repeatedly named Bryant and Reggie Miller as his basketball idols. Klay Thompson’s methodical style, his relentless training ethic, and his hunger to win are all rooted in the influence Kobe had both on and off the court.

 

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So when Klay Thompson sees Bryant ranked below active players like Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry—whose careers are still being written—he finds it deeply questionable, if not outright disrespectful. That’s the trigger behind his heated response.

According to stats compiled by Sportskeeda, Kobe Bryant ended his career with 33,643 points, making him the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history. He also earned 18 All-Star selections, won two Finals MVPs, and claimed the regular season MVP in 2008.

That doesn’t even include Kobe’s defensive intensity or his uncanny ability to carry his team through clutch moments. And so the real question Klay Thompson seems to pose is: how do you truly measure greatness?

Ranking rage goes viral

Rankings like these are always controversial. Everyone has their personal favorites, and the criteria are often subjective. Some prioritize advanced analytics, while others emphasize cultural impact or career longevity. But Klay Thompson, through a player’s lens, seems convinced that respect for certain legends shouldn’t be negotiable. Especially in lists that evolve more with data sheets than with memory.

Klay Thompson wasn’t the only one to react, but his post became one of the most viral takes. The debate rolls on. And while some compile rankings from behind desks, Klay Thompson keeps reminding everyone of the fire his idol left behind—on the court, and in the hearts of those who still play in his shadow.