Warriors' Lacob Jokes About Klay Thompson Joining Mavs: 'We'll Have to Kick His Ass'

Klay Thompson was a beloved member of the Golden State Warriors during his time with the organization, making his free agency departure this summer to the Dallas Mavericks so jarring for many NBA fans.

Golden State Warriors majority governor Joe Lacob said Tuesday that the love for Thompson will never go away, but he'll still be hoping the Dubs hand him plenty of losses in the matchups to come.

"I don't care what people think happened, or didn't happen," he told The Athletic NBA Show. "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 going to be friends forever. And he's just going to 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. That's called competition."

Thompson, 34, helped lead the Warriors to four NBA championships during his time in the Bay Area as one of the game's elite 3-and-D wings. His partnership with Stephen Curry changed the NBA, as the "Splash Brothers" ushered in an age of floor spacing and perimeter shooting.

But by the end, Thompson wasn't happy, as ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews reported in early July:

"Over the past year, Thompson has been relatively easy to read. He was 'miserable,' as one person close to him said. Miserable with how negotiations with the team had gone on a new contract. Miserable at the thought he wasn't respected or valued by the franchise in the way his older Splash Brother, Curry, 36, and Draymond Green, 34, were. Miserable at his declining role on the team. And yes, miserable at the way his game and play had declined, as well."

A parting was mutually beneficial. Thompson could get a fresh start in Dallas, where he would be under less pressure to produce as a role player behind Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

And the Warriors could retool the roster, looking to add more defense and depth while still potentially in the trade market for another star to pair with Curry in an attempt to make one last title push as the superstar guard nears the end of his career.

Thompson was no longer effective as the No. 2 option on the offensive end, and injuries and age had limited his impact as a perimeter defender. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have the offensive firepower they need in Dončić and Irving and plenty of solid athletic defenders to pair with that duo. Thompson will be in a more complementary role.

It was the right time for a change. But Thompson will remain an organizational legend, even if Lacob and crew won't be rooting him on when the Warriors face the Mavericks.