LeBron James: Klay Thompson sparks Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers rivalry
KLAY THOMPSON believes LeBron James’ arrival at Los Angeles Lakers will ignite a whole new level of rivalry with Golden State Warriors.
Thompson’s Warriors have won the NBA Championship in three of the last four seasons and they are the favourites to defend their title once more this campaign.
However, the Western conference has got a whole lot tougher following the trade of James to the Lakers from Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thompson, a boyhood Lakers fan, knows all about the north-south rivalry in California which has escaped the two basketball franchises over recent years.
But he reckons James’ trade will make the Lakers a powerhouse and reignite the state divide in more ways than one.
“They’re LA, in any sport they’re alway great. It will definitely carry over to basketball, that’s for sure,” Thompson said.
“The music, art, movies, destination, there’s always a NorCal-SoCal debate and that’s what makes it so great.
“Growing up definitely, high school sports, professional sports, musicians, athletes, you always had a debate where the town is at.
“He is always been at the top of the East and in the Finals, those games are always intense.
“I expect him to really improve the Lakers and he has got a bunch of guys - he is the best player in the league.”
James has constantly reiterated his expectations for the upcoming season are not to be challenging for the Championship.
And Thompson agrees that it may be a little too soon for Luke Walton’s side to be contenders straight away.
“I expect them to be in play-off contention. Championship contention I’m not sure, I have got to wait and see, it takes a lot of work,” he added.
“It is pretty cool. I don’t think you would have guessed it when he was with the Cavs but it’s adding a tonne of interest in the league.
“The Lakers are back to getting the usual media coverage that I was used to growing up.
“I definitely expect them to make the play-offs and I think the young guys will take a huge leap, they usually do in second and third year.”