‘Kicking A**’ with Love: Warriors’ Joe Lacob Sends Heartfelt Farewell to Mavs’ Klay Thompson
The Klay Thompson free agency hunt ended when the Dallas Mavericks maneuvered a sign-and-trade for the four-time NBA champion. However, the saga between the Golden State Warriors and Thompson has enough mileage in the tank to last at least a few years. Golden State's team governor, Joe Lacob, recently spoke emotionally about Thompson's departure.
"I sent him that little video of me bowing to him, which you just alluded to," Lacob said. "It was just my way of saying, you know, he meant so much to us, and he was so much to this organization, and everything we've accomplished as a group. And I still feel that way about him. And I always will, it will never change. I don't care what, you know, happened or didn't happen.”
Clutchpoints
Indeed, Thompson accomplished many great things with the Warriors, as DallasBasketball.com has documented. However, feelings can get in the way of a good time, and unfortunately, Thompson's team sentiment soured in the 2023-24 season.
“He will always be welcome in my life. I hope he feels the same. Honestly, I get a little teary-eyed about it," Lacob admitted.
What "happened or didn't happen," as Lacob said, included contracts that made Thompson emotional, but not a teary-eyed kind. It was more like a "get out of my face" mood. It was time for a change in Thompson's life, and although the contracts offered upset him, he hasn't said anything publicly to disrespect the Warriors.
Lacob can find solace in the fact Thompson didn't burn down the Golden State bridge. Ultimately, Lacob's words were nice and sweet, fitting for a long-term relationship ending with a bang. However, the "light years" cockiness couldn't let good be good enough, as Lacob said something which could burn him in the end.
"He's just going to be in Dallas for a few years, and we'll have to kick his a**. But, that's just the job. And I'm sure he feels the same way," said Lacob during an appearance on The Athletic's NBA Show.
As seen numerous times, Thompson is not someone you want to challenge. They don't call him "Game 6" Klay for nothing. Thompsons' elite shooting accentuates the Mavs' all-time playmakers Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
