Klay Thompson was expected to leave the Warriors at the trade deadline. However, the Golden State passed what was expected to be a noisy event, notably quietly. For the first time since 2022, Stephen Curry and his team did not make the playoffs. And, while it would be simple to blame everything on the experienced wing, it is clear that the entire club was to blame for such a disappointing season. Despite all of this, Klay’s free agency looms huge over the Warriors’ heads.

Under such circumstances, Shams Charania of The Athletic said that the Orlando Magic and Thompson had “mutual interest ahead of the summer’s free-agency period.” The soldier in question has spoken on multiple occasions about his desire to retire as a Warrior. In fact, the four-time champion made his intentions obvious when he took a bench role for the first time in 12 years!

However, senior ESPN writer Ramona Shelburne believes GSW has a shot to keep Klay Thompson with the core. But how? “I believe the Warriors’ strategy to selling something to him is crucial. “He needs to feel the love and respect because you’re probably asking him to take less if he stays,” she explained.

If they do succeed, why would he genuinely believe so? Especially when other teams are prepared to pay him more than the Warriors would. Again, Shelburne has the solution. And it’s only one word: loyalty. 

“Deep down, he is a Kobe guy. Kobe remained with the Lakers. “The teams were really bad at the end, but he stayed,” she said.

Kobe Bryant earned the nicknames ‘Black Mamba’ and stone-cold killer’ on the floor. The Lakers legend was very proud of his game and work ethic. He continues to impact young basketball players with his Mamba mentality. It wasn’t any different for Klay Thompson. Indeed, one could argue that Bryant’s importance in Klay’s life exceeds that of anyone else.

Having had the unusual opportunity to be in the presence of a renowned player like Kobe Bryant, Thompson grew up idolizing him and paying close attention to the finer points of his game. Bryant recognized Klay’s dedication and hard work. Thompson was a standout basketball player during his junior year with the Cougars until he was suspended for the season finale versus UCLA.

An officer smelt marijuana on him and issued a citation for possession of illicit narcotics. Kobe learned of the news and quickly called his father, Mychal, to deliver a message to his son. “He exclaimed, ‘F**k that sh*t. “Go be yourself.” It was rather amusing to learn that his father wasn’t a big lover of curses. But Klay took those comments to heart, delivering a record-breaking performance!

Klay Thompson did not take his connection with Kobe Bryant lightly.

Of course, Thompson went on to play 12 games with Bryant before retiring. However, for the five-time All-Star, each game was a learning experience. Lessons, moments, and memories that he treasures to this day have given him strength at the most difficult times in his life. Every day every game, he strives to mimic the basketball legend who passed away far too soon.

Remember how he drained two free throws after tearing his ACL in the Finals against the Raptors? Does this sound like something Bryant did? In 2013, perhaps? The Lakers were in a bind, and Bryant wanted to ensure they made the playoffs. So, despite his damaged Achilles, he walked to the charity stripe and hit those two big jumpers to send the game to overtime against the young Steph Curry and Klay Thompson-led Warriors!

As a result, it’s easy to see where Shelburne’s justifications for the Splash Brothers come from. His father, a former Laker, stated, “He took pride in playing every game, just like Kobe did.” Yes, he will be unable to repeat Kobe Bryant’s performance. But no one in the Warriors dynasty will ever claim that Klay Thompson’s efforts were in vain.

For the time being, Klay Thompson just wants to reflect on his career and feel proud of himself. “I want to look back and say I gave it my all, just as Kobe did. I know Kobe can look back on his 20-year career and say he lived up to his full potential. “I want to do the same.” 

If he can do it with the team that chose him and in his hometown, he will have one more thing in common with his idol. Here’s hope that occurs.