Joe Lacob on Klay Thompson: ‘I hope we’re gonna be friends forever’

There’s no hard feelings from the Warriors owner to one of the franchise’s legends.

The dust is starting to settle and the wounds are starting to heal following Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson’s decision to join the Dallas Mavericks in NBA free agency, leaving the only team he’s ever known. With every passing quote from those in the Warriors organization — and from Thompson himself — it becomes more and more clear that this was the right decision for the future Hall of Famer, even if it’s hard to watch.

When it first became apparent that Thompson wouldn’t be returning to the Warriors, my fear was that bridges would be burnt; that one of the greatest careers in franchise history would conclude with sadness and bitterness, and that a player who connected with both Oakland and San Francisco more than any player in Warriors history would retire feeling mutual resentment towards the team he formed a dynasty with.

Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be that way. Thompson seems to outwardly hold no grudges towards the Dubs, and the organization has been nothing but effusive in their praise of the outgoing All-Star. That includes majority owner Joe Lacob, who had his eyes on the bigger picture during a recent appearance on The Athletic NBA Show. Lacob seemed less inclined to talk about the basketball loss of Thompson, and more interested in discussing an admiration for a man he hopes to stay close with for many years to come.

“He meant so much to us, and so much to this organization, and everything we’ve accomplished as a group, and that I still feel that way about him” Lacob said, while explaining that he texted Thompson the viral video in which Lacob bowed to Klay in the tunnel following a heroic performance. “And I always will. It will never change. I don’t care what people think happened or didn’t happen. He will always be welcome in my life. I hope he feels the same. Honestly, I get a little teary eyed about it. I hope we’re gonna be friends forever. And he’s just gonna, you know, be in Dallas for a few years and we’ll have to kick his ass. But that’s just the job and I’m sure he feels the same way,” Lacob concluded, while laughing.

It’s not Lacob’s first time having to put sentiment and relationships aside while making personnel decisions. One of his first moves after acquiring the Warriors was to make the highly-unpopular decision to trade fan-favorite Monta Ellis in the package that landed the Warriors Andrew Bogut.

Ultimately, both Thompson and Lacob — as well as the rest of the Warriors organization — know that what the team accomplished over the last decade is much bigger than any decision that was made in free agency this summer. And as time passes, that will only prove more and more true.