NBA Star Klay Thompson's Beloved English Bulldog Dead at 13

Klay Thompson is mourning the loss of one of his best friends: His English bulldog, Rocco, who died last weekend after he had to be put down.

Thompson's father, former NBA star Mychal Thompson, shared the devastating news while on ESPN Los Angeles' radio show Mason & Ireland.

“As Mase and Ireland always say, when someone dear has departed, ‘Hail fellow well met,’” Thompson said. “We had to put Rocco, Klay’s dog, down over the weekend.”

He added, "It was time ... we were all sad, but Rocco had a great, long life. So today’s game is dedicated to the memory of our service men and women, and to Rocco."

Rocco had been a constant presence on Thompson's social media feed. Thompson had previously shared during a podcast interview that he raised Rocco since he was a baby bully.

When asked what's one of the funniest things about Rocco, Thompson shared a hilarious story.

"He barks at his shadow. Every time there's a dog on the television he's going crazy, protecting the house," Thompson shared. "'You've been doing this for a decade now, Rocco, it's not real.' That's just his bulldog nature." 

During an April 2022 press conference, a reporter even asked Thompson about Rocco, prompting Thompson to say, "That's a great question."

"He was born in mid-April at some point, but to make things easier, I say the 20th," he said at the time. "Easy date to remember, and to be a 10-year-old bulldog, I'm very grateful for Rocco."

In an October 2021 post, Thompson shared a "Rocco dump" post, calling his bulldog "man's best friend."

Why Rocco's birthday is on 4/20: "He was born in mid-April...to make things easier, I say the 20th" ???? pic.twitter.com/k2He3UlpEv

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 20, 2022

After news spread about the loss, fans flooded to social media to express their sympathy.

"Man I never knew how difficult losing a pet was until I lost my dog Snoopy. He was 13 as well. That was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced," a fan commented. "I cried like a baby man. So when I see these clips I can totally understand how devastated one can be when they experience this kind of loss. RIP Rocco, say hey to my beloved Snoopy for me????????."