On paper, LeBron James and Klay Thompson should be mortal enemies. Over the past 8 years, they’ve met four times in the Finals, and the battles were always long and hard-fought.
In reality, both players have the utmost respect for each other and one might even call them friends given that Klay appeared in LeBron’s Space Jam sequel.
So when Thompson was captured putting some shots up ahead of the game on Wednesday (he hasn’t played in two seasons), LeBron couldn’t help but express his excitement.
Here’s what he posted on Twitter:
Can watch him shoot the ALL DAY LONG!! TOOOOOOO PURE
Can watch him shoot the 🪨 ALL DAY LONG!! TOOOOOOO PURE https://t.co/bGIhZtgE51
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 4, 2021
LeBron isn’t the only one excited to see Klay return. The fact is, the Warriors are going to need him healthy if they want their best chance at coming out of the West.
“I think we’re a pretty good basketball team right now,” said Draymond Green. “with a lot of room to grow…Without Klay, we can still be a pretty good team, but with Klay, you know, you’re talking a whole different ballgame. So we need him back.
The Warriors have fared well enough so far this season, boasting a 5-1 record through the first 6 games.
But with Thompson, the Warriors could be even better.
When healthy, he’s easily among the top three shooters in the game, as he’s proven over his career with averages of 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 45.9% shooting.
Regarding when we can expect to see Klay back in action, that much is still up in the air.
After two major injuries, and a two-year-long absence from playing, the process cannot be rushed.
Still, there is optimism about what is to come for Klay, and even LeBron James (who will have to be competing against him) can appreciate what his return will do for the league.
