Golden State Warriors star, Klay Thompson, paid tribute to the late basketball legend Bill Walton through a series of heartfelt posts on his Instagram stories. Thompson, who grew up as a Trail Blazers fan in Lake Oswego, shared his admiration for Walton's impact on the game and his love for nature.

In the first post, Thompson shared a photo of Walton, acknowledging his significant contribution to basketball in the region. The second post featured a video of Thompson on a hike, paying homage to Walton's passion for the outdoors.

Thompson expressed his intentions for the day, saying, "In honor of Mr. Walton, the outdoorsman he was, I'm going on a hike today. The whole time I will be thinking of Bill, how much his nature walks meant to him." He extended his condolences to Luke Walton, Bill Walton's son and the rest of the family.

Bill Walton, who passed away at the age of 71 on Monday after a battle with cancer, was widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. He led UCLA to two national championships before being drafted by the Trail Blazers as the No.1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Despite facing injuries throughout his professional career, Walton won the MVP award in 1978 and guided the Trail Blazers to their sole NBA title in 1977.

Beyond his playing career, Walton ventured into broadcasting and became known for his expert basketball knowledge and unique commentating style. His son, Luke Walton, followed in his footsteps as an NBA player and coach, including a notable two-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors from 2014 to 2016.

Klay Thompson's tribute to Walton by embarking on a hike resonates with Walton's appreciation for nature. Thompson's choice to honor the late Hall of Famer underscores the impact Walton had, not only on the basketball community but also on individuals who admired his love for the outdoors.

Thompson's tribute serves as a reminder of Walton's enduring legacy and the impact he had on the game and those around him. As the NBA community mourns the loss of a legendary player, Thompson's gesture encapsulates the spirit and respect that Walton's contributions continue to inspire.