Klay Thompson’s Father: Who is Former Lakers’ Star Mychal Thompson?

Everyone knows what Klay Thompson is capable of doing on the court. The shooting guard has helped the Golden State Warriors create an unforgettable dynasty, and his partner in crime was Stephen Curry. ‘The Splash Brothers,’ along with a stellar supporting cast, were able to clinch three NBA Championships. But have you ever wondered where Klay gets this vigor from? Not many people know this, but he is from a very athletic family. His father Mychal Thompson was a basketball player himself, and his mother Julia was also involved in many sports when she was young.

Who is Mychal Thompson?

Mychal was born in Nassau, Bahamas, but was raised in the United States after he emigrated there as a teen. Thompson created a stir with his skills as a basketball player at Jackson Senior High School. In fact, he was also successful in carving out an outstanding college career at the University of Minnesota. If that weren’t true, they wouldn’t have retired his jersey No. 43 when he ended his career.

Right after college, he was the first overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and played seven seasons for them. He later played for the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was best known for his time with the purple and gold. He won two championships with the Lakers and finished his NBA career with them in 1991.

After retirement, he became a commentator and is now a full-time advisor and coach for his son, Klay Thompson. In fact, even Mychal’s elder son, Mychel, has been a pro basketball player for six seasons. With most of his stints having come in the G-League, Mychel gave up the sport to pursue something else.

Mychal’s wife, Julie Thompson

Like Mychal, his wife, Julie, wasn’t a stranger to sports. From gymnastics and volleyball to track, she participated in everything growing up. Born in Ridgefield, Washington, Julie has also won a state long jump title.

Julie and Mychal met at a gym in Portland when she used to play basketball in college. Mychal, as fate would have it, was participating in a pickup basketball game there.

Thompson was a winner and deserves to be remembered as one of the Lakers’ legends. If it weren’t for him, the Lakers’ banner count would have been up to 16. It is not surprising that Klay Thompson is one of the greatest players of his generation, considering his genes.

Read also- Mychal Thompson Revisits How Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Were Similar to the Late Elgin Baylor