Klay Thompson shares moving Kobe Bryant tribute after memorial service

Staples Center held a beautiful memorial ceremony for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles on Monday, bringing luminaries from around the basketball world to pay tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic stars.

Among the current NBA players in attendance was Warriors star Klay Thompson, a Southern California native who grew up idolizing the Lakers and Kobe.

Klay paid homage to Bryant on Tuesday through social media, sharing several of his favorite photos with the five-time NBA champion along with a heartfelt message.

View this post on Instagram

No amount of words can express how much Kobe meant to me and my family. Growing up, he was my favorite player on my favorite team. Like so many of you, it has been hard for me to process what happened and what was lost.To the Bryant, Altobelli, Chester, Mauser and Zobayan families, my heart aches for your loss. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.There is not a day that goes by I don’t think about you Big Bro. Rest in peace Mamba and Mambacita. Your legacies will live on, not only thru every hooper who love the game, but with anyone who has a dream and the passion to do whatever it takes to make it a reality. #mambaforever #mambacita

A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) on Feb 25, 2020 at 1:51pm PST

Thompson's dad, Mychal, played for the Lakers from 1987-1991, and currently serves as the Lakers' color commentator on their radio broadcasts.

[RELATED: How fatherhood, not career, made Kobe a man of all people]

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This was Klay's first public message since Kobe, Gianna and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26.