The impact that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had on this earth can never be measured. He was a true icon whose greatness stretched far beyond the basketball court.

Klay Thompson has always talked about being an avid Kobe Bryant fan. Born in California, the shooting guard has admired and followed the LA Lakers star for a long time.

The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a regular season matchup on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, eight Mavericks players, including Klay Thompson, appear on the injury report, though Kyrie Irving is confirmed to play against Minnesota.

"It reminds you that there’s greatness still within you," Thompson said after a blistering first quarter against the Wizards.

Klay Thompson weighed in on the rumored potential All-Star 3-point contest that would see him and former Golden State Warriors teammate Steph Curry face off against WNBA stars Sabrina Ionescu and Cait

Sure, LaMelo Ball's 23-point contribution was key to the victory, but a roster which has the duo of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson should have been able to handle it. RELATED: NBA fans troll Kyrie ...

Klay Thompson drained seven 3-pointers in the first quarter on the way to a game-high 23 points and the Dallas Mavericks handed the visiting Washington Wizards a 14th straight loss with a 130-108 blowout on Monday.

P.J. Washington scored 25 points, making all four of his 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter, and Kyrie Irving added 25 points and six assists as the Dallas Mavericks outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 137-136.

NBA insider believes Mavericks could trade first-round pick before deadline Zion Williamson and Klay Thompson each got off to solid starts for their respective teams, as the Pelicans and Mavericks traded buckets early on.

The Dallas Mavericks have an important three-game stretch against winnable teams coming up, which started with Monday's home contest against the lowly Washington Wizards. Nine players were missing combined between both teams, including Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, and Malcolm Brogdon.

The Dallas Mavericks have been heavily injured this season, but one bright spot has been the play of 24-year-old Quentin Grimes, who looks like a keeper.