Warriors proprietor Joe Lacob was one of many first inside the group to study of Klay Thompson’s determination to go away Golden State.
At first, he was disillusioned by the information. However shortly after, he confirmed his admiration for the staff’s iconic sharpshooter.
Lacob appeared on the newest episode of The Athletic’s “Hoops Adjoining” podcast, the place he mentioned Thompson’s departure and what he texted the veteran guard the day after their preliminary telephone dialog earlier than the beginning of NBA free company.
“After he had known as me and advised me he had made the choice to maneuver on, this was earlier than free company, he known as me and was very good about it and defined he did not like making the decision however he mentioned ‘I really feel I simply have to do that,” Lacob recalled. “Proper after that, it was the subsequent day, there was a couple of days earlier than the start of free company, I despatched him that video of me bowing to him and it was simply my method of claiming he meant a lot to us and a lot to this group and all the things we have completed as a bunch and that I nonetheless really feel that method about him.”
The video Lacob is referring to, was a viral second after Thompson scored 41 factors and knocked down 11 3-pointers within the Warriors’ win over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in Recreation 6 of the 2016 Western Convention Finals the place the Golden State proprietor bowed right down to Thompson within the tunnel after the sport.
Lacob all the time will think about Thompson an in depth buddy, however when the Warriors do match up towards the Dallas Mavericks for the primary time in the course of the 2024-25 NBA season, Lacob is aware of his squad will not take it simple on Thompson.
“I all the time will, it should by no means change. I do not care what folks assume occurred or did not occur, he’ll all the time be welcome in my life, I hope he feels the identical,” Lacob added. “Truthfully, I get slightly teary-eyed about it. I hope we’ll be mates eternally. He is simply going to be in Dallas for a couple of years and we’re simply going to should kick his ass. However that is simply the job and I am certain he feels the identical method, that is the entire competitors. However he’ll all the time be welcome in our home.”
With Thompson’s departure nonetheless recent, Lacob and the Warriors proceed to recollect the five-time All-Star’s many iconic moments with the group. Nonetheless, quickly they should compete towards their new Western Convention rival.
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