Klay Thompson is one of the best shooting guards in the NBA and tonight he will go up against one of the best shooting guards of all time in Kobe Bryant. Thompson grew up loving the Lakers and admiring Bryant, so every time he gets an opportunity to play him, he looks forward to it.
The Warriors will face-off against the Lakers in their second pre-season game after defeating the Clippers on Tuesday night in the same building. Given his health concerns and age, the Lakers will likely limit his minutes, but that might not stop Bryant from engaging in some trash talking during the game. When asked if he expected Bryant to trash talk during a pre-season game, Thompson responded:
“I wouldn’t be surprised”
Bryant has earned a reputation of being a big talker on the court and he has the accolades to back it up. But in a pre-season game? Thompson wouldn’t doubt it, especially with all the comparisons between the two. Bryant might be past his prime, but his skills have not diminished. Guarding Bryant will be a challenge for the more athletic Thompson, Bryant has a high basketball IQ and will find ways to score the ball or draw the foul.
Thompson is probably playing the best basketball of his career. Fresh off winning the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball, Thompson is entering a contract year and he’s likely to receive a max contract. Thompson plays with a lot of passion and tonight he will go up against one of the most fierce competitors of all time.