Warriors vs Lakers: Steve Kerr Adamant on Klay Thompson’s Starting Situation With Dubs Despite 35pt Outing vs Jazz

The Golden State Warriors are ready to make a run for the playoffs in the second half of the season. Their first obstacle following the All-Star Break will be the Los Angeles Lakers. Stephen Curry and Co. will face a LeBron James-less Lakers tonight. And Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has chosen to stick to his decision of starting the game without veteran guard Klay Thompson.

Kerr revealed the Warriors starting lineup ahead of the Lakers clash. Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green will start things off for the Warriors tonight. This will be Klay Thompson’s second straight game coming off the bench. Steve Kerr benched Klay in the last game against the Utah Jazz for the first time since his rookie season in 2012. He replaced Klay with 20-year-old rookie Brandin Podziemski. Kerr’s decision ultimately paid off as the Warriors came out with a nervy 140-137 win, with Thompson putting up a solid 35 points.

Not only did Kerr’s decision to bench Klay help the Warriors win the game, but it also helped Klay get back on track. Klay went off for a season-high 35 points against the Jazz after coming off the bench. He also surpassed the 15,000-point mark to achieve a new career milestone. After the game, Klay revealed how coming off the bench helped his performance, “Coming off the bench gave me fresh legs, especially off a back-to-back. That was nice.”

Maybe Klay has realized that he needs to adopt a new role to stay productive at his age. Steve Kerr is hoping for a similar outcome tonight against the Lakers.

Klay Thompson can take inspiration from Russell Westbrook

With Steve Kerr benching Klay for the second straight game, this might become Klay’s permanent role for the Warriors. Klay is no longer the superstar he once was due to his age and multiple injuries, but he is still better than most players in the league. He is averaging his worst numbers since the 2012-13 season at 17.3 points per game. But Klay could increase his productivity by coming off the bench and leading the second unit. And the 4-time Champion does not need to look far to seek inspiration for adapting to his new role.

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After the Clippers’ slow start to the season, Former MVP Russell Westbrook sacrificed his starting role and started coming off the bench. That proved to be a game-changer for the Clippers, and they have risen to the 3rd spot in the Western Conference standings. The change also made Russ more efficient and productive. Klay Thompson might need to make the same sacrifice for his team’s best interest. That will also increase Klay’s chances of winning his 5th Championship.

With Chris Paul out due to injuries, the Dubs need a veteran to lead their bench unit, and Klay Thompson fits the role perfectly. His shooting provides spacing, allowing the inside players to keep their physically dominant game sharp, and he can pass out of a double team.

Will this new bench role for Klay prove to be the change that the Warriors need to mount a late playoff push?