On Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors played their division rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, in a preseason match-up which featured two of the games best shooting guards. This year, these guards may not be separated much by ability, but are separated by 15 years of NBA experience, 16 All-Star appearances, and 5 NBA titles.
These two shooting guards are Klay Thompson and Kobe Bryant.
Before Thursday night’s game, when asked about Bryant, who was also making his first appearance at Staples Center since early last season, Thompson responded, “I don’t know if I’m in his circle yet.”
Klay poured in 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-6 from behind the arc, all in only 3 quarters of action in the Warriors 120-105 win over the Lakers.
Even though it may only be a preseason game, Bryant seemed to be impressed. After the game, the future Hall of Famer offered up some high praise for the young rising star.
“There’s not many players in the league who can shoot the long ball, post up, (and have a) mid-range game.” Bryant lauded, “He can pull up left, he can pull up right.
“He has the whole package.”
Klay, who’s father Mychal Thompson played for the Lakers from 1987-1991, grew up idolizing Bryant. After the game, Klay told Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group that he still has a ways to go in terms of Bryant’s “circle”.
“I don’t have a championship. I don’t have an All-Star game under my belt,” Thompson said, “But yeah, it’s cool just to be known as one of the better shooting guards in the league to some people.”
“It’s almost like a dream come true when I’m playing against him. Kobe’s still one of the best in the game, so you’re always trying to measure yourself against the greats,”
Klay still has yet to sign a long term deal with the Warriors. They have until October 31st to come to an agreement, but Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area reports that both sides are still a few million dollars apart. If a deal is not finalized by the end of the month, Thompson will become a restricted free agent at the season’s end.
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