Klay Thompson Praises LeBron James After Milestone Achievement
After the Denver Nuggets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-101, Klay Thompson reflected on his performance and a significant personal milestone. Despite the loss, Thompson’s sharp shooting and candid post-game remarks about LeBron James stole the spotlight. Klay Thompson spoke highly of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Klay Thompson Hits 16,000 Career Points
During Sunday’s matchup, Thompson delivered an impressive stat line: 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He also shot a solid 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, adding to his reputation as one of the NBA’s most lethal shooters.
More notably, Thompson made NBA history by becoming the 125th player to reach 16,000 career points. While this achievement highlights his consistency and scoring ability, Thompson’s reaction to the milestone offered fans a glimpse of his humility and respect for greatness.
Klay Thompson on LeBron James’ Unbelievable Feat
When asked about his thoughts on reaching 16,000 career points, Thompson didn’t dwell on his own success. Instead, he took the opportunity to acknowledge LeBron James, who recently became the first player in NBA history to surpass 40,000 career points.
“It’s cool, but it makes you realize how ridiculous it is that LeBron has 40,000,” Thompson said. “That’s insane. It’s cool. Any time you do something like that in the NBA, it’s a special moment.”
This comment underscores Thompson’s admiration for James’ longevity and elite production, even at 40 years old.
Comparing Their 2023-24 Seasons
Thompson, now in his first 34 games with the Mavericks, is averaging:
- 14.2 points
- 3.4 rebounds
- 2.0 assists
- Shooting 41.3% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range
Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to defy Father Time with remarkable numbers:
- 23.8 points
- 7.7 rebounds
- 8.8 assists
- Shooting 50.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range in 33 games
Both players remain integral to their respective teams, demonstrating their unique skills and ability to impact the game.
Four Rings Club: A Shared Legacy
Another interesting parallel between Thompson and James is their championship success. Both have claimed four NBA titles, cementing their legacies as some of the league’s all-time greats.
Thompson’s contributions as part of the Golden State Warriors dynasty are legendary, particularly his performances in critical playoff moments. Meanwhile, James’ championships span across three teams, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court.
Respect Between Legends
Klay Thompson’s honest remarks about LeBron James’ 40,000-point milestone reflect the mutual respect between two of the game’s most decorated players. While Thompson celebrates his own achievement, he also acknowledges the extraordinary feats of a fellow legend.
This moment serves as a reminder of the camaraderie and admiration shared among NBA stars, even as they compete at the highest level.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more milestones and standout performances from both Thompson and James, two players who continue to make basketball history.