This Golden State Warriors core has a lot of experience with LeBron James, having met him in the NBA Finals four years in a row from 2015 to 2018. Golden State has had a lot of success against James, defeating him in three of those years, but they understand that this Lakers club is a much different challenge.

Following Golden State’s Game 2 victory, Warriors player Klay Thompson elaborated, stating, “It’s still weird seeing LeBron as a Laker because of the history the Warriors and the Cavs had.” But LeBron is one of those exceptional athletes. The Michael Jordans, Kobe Bryants, and LeBron Jamess will bring out the best in you. Especially in terms of competition. It’s always an honor to compete against legends. But it’s not us vs LeBron James. The Lakers have a pretty complete team. The fact that he’s still doing it at the age of 38 is extraordinary and inspirational to athletes everywhere.”

Klay’s statement came in response to a query about his Game 2 stat line, which was similar to one of his stat lines in the 2017 Finals versus James and the Cavaliers. When asked to comment on that matchup, Thompson lavished praise on James while emphasizing that the Lakers are more than just one guy.