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Asserting Stephen Curry as the Only Deserving “Warriors Lifer”, Stephen A. Smith Goes Blasphemous on Lakers Legend

Published 09/01/2023, 6:50 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are undeniably iconic figures within the Golden State Warriors’ legacy. With their towering success, their names are etched indelibly into the team’s history. For decades to come, whenever Dubsnation is mentioned, these three names will invariably be part of the conversation. With a similar mindset recently, Klay Thompson’s father passionately articulated his belief in the trio’s connection to the franchise. Asserting they should never don another team’s jersey, he claimed they have rightfully earned a permanent place in the organization.

He also extended this sentiment to Kevon Looney, recognizing him as a true warrior. While many fans will back up Mychal Thompson’s initial stance on the Warriors’ trio, a lesser density might consider Kevon Looney. As a result, Mychal’s take ignited a spirited response from Stephen A. Smith during his recent broadcast of First Take.

Smith thinks only Stephen Curry is a lifelong Warrior

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Stephen A was questioned about Mychal Thompson’s elevated position for the Warriors’ stars. In response, Smith voiced his disagreement with the Lakers legend and immediately excluded his son from the discussion. He firmly stated, “With the exception of Steph Curry, I don’t think that’s the case for anybody else. I think Mychal Thompson is wrong.”

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He delicately caressed a line in his trademark Stephen A. fashion in his response. He quipped, “I might have to talk to Mychal Thompson. Maybe he’s watching too much boxing or drinking too much damn Gatorade or water. I don’t know what’s wrong with him for saying that.” However, he didn’t hesitate to recognize the Warriors for their substantial impact on the NBA. In his attempt to contest the idea of their stars being ‘Warriors for life,’ Stephen A. Smith regarded Kevon Looney as just a “valuable asset.” He positioned Draymond Green slightly higher in the same regard.

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While acknowledging Klay Thompson‘s prowess as one of the top five shooters in history, he challenged him to upgrade his individual game. He claims Klay is tailing the prowess of Stephen Curry. According to Smith, Klay needs to elevate in order to put the Warriors in the championship for years to come.

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Mychal Thompson played alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Mychal Thompson was the top pick in the 1978 NBA draft for Portland Trail Blazers. He immediately became an integral part of their lineup for eight years, making his mark by earning a spot on the All-Rookie team and delivering his most impressive statistical season in 1981.

However, Thompson experienced a trade to the San Antonio Spurs during the 1986 off-season. However, his stint with the Spurs was short-lived, as he was again dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson joined the Lakers in February 1987 in a pivotal role to provide backup for the aging Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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Thompson proved more than capable in the capacity, even though he didn’t start. He graced the court for over 98% of the Lakers’ games that season. His contribution was crucial in the Lakers’ consecutive championship victories in 1987 and 1988, with another Finals appearance in 1989.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He has been writing articles and blogs for 5 years now, including those for a sports brand that manufactures knee braces, for a Red Bull athlete in 2019 and for a documentary of an Ultra Running Coach in 2021. There’s plenty Saahil can write about why he likes basketball, having followed the NBA for more than 10 years, but he is most keen on picking out various offense/defense strategies, on/off-court decisions, roster changes in crunch time and other underrated key elements that leave an impact on the scoreboard.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo