Klay opens up about his Lakers roots and Kobe Bryant’s influence, the Warriors’ first title run, and the rise of the Splash Brothers. He also dives into practice battles, teaming up with Kyrie Irving, and embracing his new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. Plus — his Top-5 shooters today and all-time, thoughts on the BIG3 League, and why fishing remains his ultimate escape.

Had Klay Thompson on my podcast and asked him to name his Top Shooters in the NBA today! (no order):

Stephen Curry
Kevin Durant
Devin Booker
Himself
HM: Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard

NEW EPISODE w/ @KlayThompson OUT NOWhttps://t.co/9meCWcE0qL pic.twitter.com/Fk30IDocMm

— Michael Cooper (@ShowtimeCooper) August 31, 2025

Timestamps
00:00 Intro — Coop welcomes Klay
01:02 Early years: growing up around Kobe & the Lakers
03:12 Pre-dynasty Warriors & Mark Jackson’s influence
05:18 First ring & the 3-point revolution
07:34 Practice battles, brotherhood & championships
10:05 “Splash Brothers” nickname origin
12:06 Playing with Kyrie Irving & his leadership
15:15 Roster depth & Mavericks expectations
17:28 Top-5 shooters in today’s game
19:21 Top-5 shooters all-time
21:05 Big3 talk & 4-point shot
22:26 Fishing & life outside basketball
24:35 Wrap

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The post Klay Thompson Talks Lakers Roots, Splash Brothers & New Mavericks Era | Showtime w/ Coop appeared first on CLNS Media.

He also explained that the two were similar in that they were both leaders by example. “Kobe led by example and so did Michael Jordan. They were never vocal, they just let their play do the talking. And that’s what I tried to do.”

It was an interesting insight into how Bryant approached the game and it’s no wonder that Owens found so many similarities in Kobe and himself. The two may have had played different sports but their actions on the court, and field spoke volumes and in a very unspoken way, helped other players step up their game as well.

Owens speaks fondly of his relationship with Bryant saying he always felt like Kobe was there for him ever since their first meeting in 2005. From that moment forward, he says Kobe was always supportive and encouraging of his career, even offering advice when needed.

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In addition to being inspired by the Lakers legend, the two became really good friends. TO said he admired Bryant for a number of reasons, including his family life and how well-rounded he was in all facets of life.

“Kobe would always talk to me about parenting,” Owens said during an interview on Showtime Podcast with Coop. “He always said it’s not just about going to work and providing for your family, but you have to be a part of their lives as well.”

It’s clear that the respect was mutual between these two sports icons and while Kobe Bryant has now left us, TO will always share memories an amazing friendship. As time passes by, Kobe Bryant continues to inspire and drive stories all over the web. Kobe left us too soon but through sports legends like Michael Cooper bringing on guests in the sports world, we find out the love for Kobe continues to this day.

Something tells me that won’t be changing any time soon and, for that, we are very lucky.

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Also, Max reflects on playing alongside Larry Bird & what that entailed playing for the Celtics back in the 80s.

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