Club Shay Shay - Tristan Thompson Part 2

Summary

Club Shay Shay – Tristan Thompson Part 2 (July 1, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Shannon Sharpe sits down with NBA champion Tristan Thompson for part two of a wide-ranging conversation. The episode delves deep into Tristan's memories of the Cavaliers’ iconic 2016 championship run, his personal life—including his high-profile relationship with Khloé Kardashian, fatherhood, and recent viral headlines—as well as candid reflections on his career, LeBron James’ legacy, super teams, modern NBA dynamics, and advice on life after basketball. With Shannon’s classic blend of humor, insight, and candid style, the episode offers rich storytelling and practical wisdom for basketball fans and anyone interested in the intersection of sports, celebrity, and personal growth.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. 2016 NBA Finals Game 7: Inside the Locker Room and On the Floor

[03:00–09:40]

• Tyronn Lue’s Challenge to LeBron:

  • “Shump mentioned it about Ty Lue telling LeBron in Game 7, 'I need more from you.' And Bron's like, 'Man, I got 15 points... what more you want me to do?' Ty said, 'I want you to do more than what you’re doing.'" (Interviewer, 03:04)
  • Tristan reflects on sitting by LeBron, hearing the exchange, and jokingly says: "That's why they pay you the big bucks. You got to figure it out, see how. Listen, I'm making 18, you making 35. You got to do more." (Tristan, 03:23)
  • Highlights Ty Lue's player trust and motivational tactics.

• Momentum Swing and Legendary Defense:

  • JR Smith’s spark: “JR came out, made the first three…I mean, like two threes. He ran off like, six, eight points. So we back in it. That's what you need sometimes in life in general. Like, you need someone just to motivate you a little bit more.” (Tristan, 04:19)
  • Defensive tension: "It seemed like that game stayed at 89 forever. Five minutes with nobody scored." (Interviewer, 04:36)
  • Re-living “The Block”: “Now you come—blocked by James! …When he blocked that shot, did you think we gonna win this game?” “100%. Once that happens, we're like, oh, it's meant for us.” (Tristan, 06:04)

• Orchestrating the Game-Winner:

  • Kyrie and LeBron’s chemistry: “So it's Bron and Kyrie. We realize that if we put Bron and Kyrie in the action, we want to force Steph to switch…Kai going to his dance on the right wing side. Step back three.” (Tristan, 07:16)
  • Kevin Love’s defense on Steph Curry: "Kev put them puppies on... Kevin Love has never played defense like that before or since. That one position." (Tristan & Interviewer, 08:52)

2. Life in the Spotlight: Khloé Kardashian, Scandal, and Coparenting

[09:40–23:33]

• Dating in the Public Eye:

  • Discusses how being with Khloé Kardashian changed his public profile: "Now all of a sudden ... you can go to Nobu, you can go to Mastros... Now all of a sudden, you can't go nowhere without getting... How did you adjust to that?" (Interviewer, 10:10)
  • “I think, you know, as you know, when you're on the best team in the NBA, you're under a microscope, but you're under only just sports, right? But now this is more pop culture and global.” (Tristan, 11:02)

• Scandal and Hard Lessons:

  • On handling infidelity: "At 25, I ain't saying that. I was like, more like, I just hope nobody finds out.” (Tristan, 11:56)
  • “That's an area I had to grow and evolve and mature, right? ... When bad things are coming ... I didn’t know how to handle it right? So for me, ... Take it for what it is and deal with the punches.” (12:07)

• Parenting and Values:

  • “For me, it's about just like, hard work and love and like, respect... My mom always taught me that." (13:54)
  • On keeping his kids grounded despite privilege, and not letting them be “Beverly Hills kids and be all weird and disrespectful to people.” (14:23)

3. Vasectomy, Fatherhood & Co-parenting

[18:16–20:18]

• Vasectomy Conversation:

  • On the decision (and viral headlines): "That was one of the best decisions I ever made, really, was getting a vasectomy." (Tristan, 18:40)
  • “I would only want to have kids with someone I'm in a relationship with, yes. Like someone be married to. I wouldn't do no more kids just to just have them. I want it to really be a real foundation situation.” (Tristan, 19:50)

• On Co-parenting & Khloé’s Support:

  • “We live a minute away from each other... It's no issues, no bad blood. Like, we're family.” (Tristan, 20:11)
  • Heartfelt on Khloé caring for his brother Amari (who has epilepsy): “She stepped up and been literally like a guardian angel savior... she makes my life easy, where I can go pursue all the endeavors that I want to achieve.” (20:59, 23:34)

4. Grief, Family Responsibility, and Support Systems

[23:57–26:54]

• Impact of Mother's Passing:

  • “My mom was my everything. She would text me in the morning, text me at night, every day, never miss a beat.” (Tristan, 24:14)
  • His mother's work ethic and sacrifice inspired his NBA journey: "All for her, right? Cause I didn’t want to see her continue to struggle working three jobs...” (25:11)
  • "I'm only staying for one year... I'm going to the draft because I got people back home to take care of. That's bigger than me being on a college campus eating wings." (Tristan, 25:19)

• Kardashians' Generosity:

  • On Kim Kardashian lending her jet for his mother’s funeral: “...Take the plane and go see your mom. That just shows the type of individuals and human beings they are...” (Tristan, 26:54)

5. LeBron Is the "GOAT", NBA Evolution & Super Team Narratives

[32:57–47:17]

• Kevin Durant Joining Warriors:

  • “When he announced that, I was like, no way... I love KD. But I was mad at him when he announced it though. I was mad." (Tristan, 33:59)

• Super Teams Have Always Existed:

  • “Showtime Lakers... the Celtics ... the old 60s Celtics were a super team. You got 11 hall of Famers on one team. Is that not a super team?” (Both, 36:03–36:53)
  • “It all stems from that Sports Illustrated article, the Chosen One. ...The media has always tried to find a way to pluck holes in LeBron's journey. ...They gave him the name, then try to critique and put a notch on his belt.” (Tristan, 37:09)

• Kyrie Irving’s Cavaliers Exit:

  • “We just didn't think it would happen so quickly. ...I feel like that relationship could have been fixed. It wasn't one of those where it's like, it's a hard no and I'm out.” (Tristan, 38:17–38:49)
  • On possible front-office missteps and LeBron’s leadership transition: “[LeBron] was going to give you the keys... He was never going to gatekeep and hold it... he was going to give you the keys to Cleveland.” (40:39–40:54)

• LeBron’s Longevity and Diet:

  • On retirement: “As long as he still feels like he can dominate a game, yes, he'll keep playing. Because it's like, why not? ...keep adding numbers to the leaderboard.” (Tristan, 42:37; 43:08)
  • On LeBron’s eating: “He loves his pancakes with strawberries and banana and syrup. But as long as you work out every day and keep that body active, you could still eat.” (Tristan, 67:23)

• GOAT Debate:

  • “As long as you have a Thompson last name, you live in my household... that's LeBron James.” (Tristan, 45:03)
  • “For us, when we growing up is LeBron James. …What makes LeBron the goat, it's his leadership.” (45:42–45:46)
  • “He has a handshake with all 15 players, the training staff, camera lady, …and remembers them all.” (Interviewer & Tristan, 46:05–46:31)

6. The Globalization of the NBA & New Generation

[47:21–49:42]

• World Catches Up to US Basketball:
  • “Definitely. You could see the All-Star Game... The level of competition in the world that's improving, but also the respect that the American players have for the world players.” (Tristan, 47:21–47:38)
  • “[MVPs:] Jokic, Shai, Luca, Giannis... The problem is, ...you need an American born player to pump your business.” (Tristan, 48:27–48:44)
  • On Drake and Toronto pride: “[Drake] was there [at my mom’s funeral]. …All of us Canadians… we all root for each other. It’s Toronto versus the world.” (49:17)

7. Culture, Fame, and Life Beyond Basketball

• Being More Than Rings:

  • “Just because he has a ring... now a ring is the end all, be all. ...I don't agree with it. …AI [Allen Iverson] led the culture. He's the one that bridged basketball and hip hop. …His impact in society is bigger than just winning a championship.” (Tristan, 51:50–52:40)
  • On Dennis Rodman as a “rock star” and dating celebrities before it was mainstream (52:51–53:10)

• On Celebrity Relationships & Privacy:

  • “Some things should be left private if you can. ...When you're in a dating space and it's very early, cherish and protect that.” (Tristan, 71:27)
  • “If you speak up [after a breakup], you give it more legs. …Keep your mouth quiet. …As a man, keep your mouth quiet.” (Tristan, 70:46–71:09)

8. NBA Career Reflections, Role Models & What’s Next

[69:17–74:11]

• Favorite Career Moment:

  • “Winning a championship. …It was about the people in Cleveland... that was the people that mattered the most.” (Tristan, 69:17)
  • “A gentleman… 70 year old man crying… ‘thank you for winning a championship. Now I can…I could pass away as a champion.’ …It’s bigger than us.” (69:49)

• Battling Big Perk and Draymond:

  • On Kendrick Perkins: "He helped me a lot... you gotta be a nasty mother... He instilled that in me... my maturity as becoming like an enforcer." (55:07)
  • On Draymond Green: “We were both the heart and soul for both our teams… my son called Draymond ‘Uncle Dre’...back when I was trying to knock his head off.” (56:11; 56:49)

• Post-NBA Life & Building a Legacy:

  • “When you retire, the first two years is our hottest years... Doing broadcasting. ...I want to do something that's outside the box. ...Shaq and Magic were ...able to leverage their NIL... there's another young guy that needs to take that spot, and that's me.” (Tristan, 72:54–74:08)
  • “For me, it's just more like I'm in the business of business. ...Actually helped a robotics company... just took them public on NASDAQ.” (Tristan, 74:19–74:35)

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Memorable Quotes

• “That's why they pay you the big bucks. You got to figure it out... I'm making 18, you making 35. You got to do more.” — Tristan Thompson (03:23)
• “If you always have manners and you're right and you're good to people, people will take the shirt off their back for you...” — Tristan Thompson (13:54)
• “We're not gonna be like these Beverly Hills kids and be all weird and disrespectful to people.” — Tristan Thompson (14:39)
• "That was one of the best decisions I ever made, really, was getting a vasectomy." — Tristan Thompson (18:40)
• “She stepped up …literally like a, like a guardian angel savior.” — Tristan Thompson on Khloé Kardashian (20:59)
• “As long as you have a Thompson last name... that's LeBron James [as GOAT].” — Tristan Thompson (45:03)
• "AI is part of, like, basketball legacy, where it's like, you don't need to compare him. He's like, untouchable. Because he was bigger than basketball. He was the culture." — Tristan Thompson (52:21)
• "As a man, keep your mouth quiet. …I think I've known Klay for a long time and...he want to go fishing and enjoy it and as he should.” — Tristan Thompson on public breakups (71:09)
• “For me, it's just more like I'm in the business of business. ...I actually helped a company that I'm an advisor for... just took them public on NASDAQ.” — Tristan Thompson (74:19)

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Other Notable Moments by Timestamp

• 03:00–09:00: Intense breakdown of pivotal 2016 Finals moments
• 10:10–12:51: Navigating fame/dating Kardashian spotlight, infidelity, lessons in maturity
• 13:54–14:39: Parenting, values, and not raising “privileged Beverly Hills kids”
• 18:16–20:11: Vasectomy, fatherhood, and coparenting with Khloé
• 20:59–23:34: Emotional tribute to Khloé’s support after his mother’s passing and brother’s care
• 26:54: Kim Kardashian sending her jet for Tristan to attend his mom's funeral
• 38:49–40:54: Kyrie's exit and what the Cavs could have done differently
• 45:03: GOAT debate—Tristan’s unwavering support for LeBron as the greatest
• 47:21–49:42: The rise of international MVPs and America’s place in modern NBA
• 69:17–69:57: Emotional recollection of delivering an NBA title to Cleveland and its impact on fans
• 74:19: Business ventures post-basketball

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Conclusion

Tristan Thompson’s second visit to Club Shay Shay is a candid, funny, and introspective look at iconic basketball moments, the pressures of fame and personal responsibility, and the evolution from athlete to business and family man. Tristan offers humility, wisdom, and vulnerability—balancing championship tales with tough lessons learned, all while emphasizing the power of maturity, loyalty, and community.

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This summary highlights core content, skips advertisements, and preserves the conversational flow and tone of Shannon Sharpe and Tristan Thompson for those who missed the episode.

Transcript

[Kal Penn]

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[Tristan Thompson]

don't trust much of anything.

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It's the rage bait.

[Tristan Thompson]

It feels like it's trying to divide people. We got clear facts.

[Kal Penn]

Maybe we could calm down a little. NBC News brings you clear reporting. Let's meet at the facts. Let's move forward from there. NBC News reporting for America for adults

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[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Part two is underway. What do you remember? Game seven, everybody. And it's kind of been talked about a little bit. Shump mentioned it about ty Lue telling LeBron in Game 7, I need more from you. And Bron's like, man, I got 15 points. I got. He's like, that ain't enough. He said, I need more. He like, man, what you want me to do? He said, I want you to do more than what you doing. You remember that conversation?

[Tristan Thompson]

Remember, I sit right beside my locker, right beside Bron. So I'm there chilling. I'm there, cuz the heads on. I got my towel over. He saying to Braun, I'm like this. I'm like, so Braun, man. He like, what do you want me to do? I'm like, like, that's why they pay you the big bucks. You got to figure it out, see how. Listen, I'm making 18, you making 35. You got to do more.

[Tab Ramos]

So.

[Tristan Thompson]

But, no, but, you know, for Bron, you know, he was doing everything. But like, you gotta. As. As a. As a leader, as a coach, right?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

This is what makes T. Lou so great, is that he has a trust in the players. But it's like anything, right? Like, you know when you're working out and you're like, your trainer's like, you got one more set in, you don't got one.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

No, you got one in you, right? So, like, I think he does that. And also with Bron, like, he's the type of guy where you gotta. You gotta with him a little bit to get. To get him going. Like, it's almost like you gotta poke him.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So, like, Clay poked him, got him activated. But T. Lou knew. Remember, we're down seven.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So, like, we down seven, we need more.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? So, like, he poked the bear some more. And then obviously, JR Come out and

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

JR Came out on five. Cause JR Came out, made the first three. I mean, like two threes.

[Tristan Thompson]

He ran off like, six, eight points. So we back in it. Now we go from down seven to, like, down one or up, up one. And like, you know how that goes. So we're like, we needed that. We needed that. And that's what you need sometimes in life in general. Like you need someone just to motivate you a little bit more.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, that fight, the sequence. Because it seemed like that game stayed at 89 forever.

[Tristan Thompson]

Five minutes with nobody scored. Five minutes.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Everybody was tight. Everybody. You see guys missing, I mean, didn't touch the rim. They was hitting the backboard, turning the ball over. And then all of a sudden, I think Kyrie tries to lay it up and they get a run out. And you see, hey, Steph got the ball. Well, I think Iggy has the ball. He passes it to Steph and he gets it back. And Steph is dribbling the ball and LeBron is trailing. And I was like, oh, my God, it's a two on one. And I see LeBron and I'm thinking to myself, I don't think he can get him. And Steph bounces the Iggy JR does something that's really, really. He didn't just like, I'm just gonna take the foul.

[Tristan Thompson]

Cause some guys do that. They do take the foul and mess up the whole play.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Mess up the whole play. But what he did is that he made Iggy clutch.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Cause he runs by him.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

By him.

[Tristan Thompson]

He does the run by him play.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So now E gotta clutch it. That take that slow you down a second?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Now you come blocked by James. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Like, how loud was it when that play happened? Were you on the court at the time?

[Tristan Thompson]

Of course I was unk.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Okay. Yeah. That's. Cause that's like we like, what, 24?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. I'm in the game. I'm a closer now. Unless it's free throws, I'm. If it's free throws, I'm ready to check in for the rebound. Yeah. But if it's a back and forth, I'm in.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So the clutch. Boom. He blocks the shot.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

When he blocked that shot, did you think we gonna win this game?

[Tristan Thompson]

100%. Once that happens, we're like, oh, it's meant for us. Because, you know, during that time, remember, we don't. No one scores for five minutes. I'm telling you. It was so quiet. Oracle, mind you, Oracle is so loud because the way they built that stadium.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Is that, you know, the roof has the metal, like railings.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So, you know, the sound bounces off the metal so it makes it even more loud. So it's so quiet in there after we get the block. And I think another possession happens in the timeout now. It's like, let's go, Cavs. You don't hear nobody in Oracle because You know, Oracle, they'd be like, warriors, I'm an E40. I can't stand that. I make me so mad. So they're quiet. Let's go, Cavs. You can hear a pin drop from the Golden State side. They think they saw ghosts.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

They're feeling the pressure because normally, especially in that building, that crowd of into it, they're normally up 10. This. At this juncture of the game, they're normally up 10, 12 points. Yeah, they're not. They're not in a situation like this, and they never expected themselves to be in a situation like this. So now, out of the timeout, what's being discussed in the huddle? What's the play call? Who's the play drawn up for?

[Tristan Thompson]

So the play. So it's. So it's Bron and Kyrie. Because I think we realize that if we put Bron and Kyrie in the action, we want to remember, we want to force Steph to switch out on one of them. Okay, so we run a pick and roll. Steph fights over. So now it's Kai got the ball, mind you, no possession before Bron get fouled. Messed up his wrist.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Remember, I think he misses the first free throw, makes the second one. So his wrist kind of messed up. So Bron. And it's another good leader like Kai. Go get it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Gives it to Kai. Kai going to his dance on the right wing side. Step back three.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

If I'm not mistaken, Klay was guarding Kyrie and Steph was guarding J.R. so.

[Tab Ramos]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes, yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

We called him up.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes. And Klay is saying the play that he's going to regret for the rest of his life is that they switched it. Yeah, but they always switch.

[Tristan Thompson]

They always. That's. That's what they do. Remember, they would always switch one through four, but then when they put Iggy in the lineup, they switch 1 through 5.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Correct.

[Tristan Thompson]

So that was. That was kind of like their principle.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And it came back and bit him in the butt.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So now Kyrie hits that shot. What's going through your mind at that point in time? You like, we're going to win this game.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Cuz we're up. I think at that moment. We're up.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

We're up three.

[Tristan Thompson]

Three.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes. 92, 80. You're up 9289.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, so we're up three now. So now we're saying no threes.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

No three, no threes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Cause you know what happens and what Steph do a good job is that he'll drive and penetrate Spray it out to somebody.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Pause, chill, relax, then come off the pin down for the three. So what we say is, hey, stay home. And one thing about Brian, we'd always preach, like, stay home. Stay the f. Home. Like, if anyone drives, stay home. So now, you know, Kev now do his thing.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. Cause now all of a sudden, Kev is locked up on steps.

[Tristan Thompson]

Oh, no. I know when we see that, I'm like. I'm like, come on, Kev. Come on, Kev. Cause, you know, Kev is not known for, you know, defense. You know, like, he more into pain around the rim. You know, big man stuff. So when he's out there, you know, Mind you, I don't even think Caleb shaved his beard at that time. So he's looking like Wolverine.

[Lily Chu]

Ish.

[Tristan Thompson]

So we like, all right, man. Like, this is the moment now to make a statement. And I mean, Kev. Kev, put them puppies on.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I mean, Kev, you gotta think about it. Steph was doing everything. The in, out, in between, behind the back. He was doing everything.

[Tristan Thompson]

He was doing every move in the drill.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And K. Love was right. Kevin Love has never played defense like that before or since. That one position. He hasn't, by the way, that woman.

[Tristan Thompson]

He'll tell you. He'd be like, for what? He'd be like, for what? I don't need to.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Now, you also had another big milestone in your life in 2016. You started dating Chloe. And everybody's like, man, come on, Double T. I ain't gonna lie, Double T. I said, come on, man. Damn, man, you done messed up our championship. I said, come on, man.

[Tristan Thompson]

Hey, man, you in the bag. Best championship in NBA history. I gotta go big with everything, man. I'm going out. I'm going out. I'm going on vacation. Whenever I go, it's a big celebration. They show my face with the jersey and the hat, the peace sign. I'm like, I gotta go big.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

How did that relationship change up? Because all of a sudden, obviously, we know what. That when you hear Kardashian and you know what comes along with that? You an NBA player. But that brand, that Kardashian brand, and you, like, now all of a sudden, you used to be able to go, even as an NBA player, man, you can go to Nobu, you can go to Mastros, you can go to all these places and nobody bothered you. Now all of a sudden, you can't go nowhere without getting you going in the building or coming out of the building. How did you adjust to that?

[Tristan Thompson]

I Mean, you know, you're definitely right. When you date someone that's in the camera and, like, have, you know, high profile, right? You have to understand you're under a magnifying glass. I think, you know, as you know, when you're on the best team in the NBA, you're under a microscope, but you're under only just sports, right? But now this is more pop culture and global.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So you gotta really move, you know, a certain way. And obviously, me being 25, being so young and just winning a championship. You know, you're young and you're naive and you're just, like, enjoying life. You're like, okay, like, you know, I'm dating this woman that's very popular, but it's like, shoot, I'm popular. I'm the best team in the NBA. So in my head, I'm like, we

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

supposed to be together? Yeah, keep popping. I'll pop it. Let's back.

[Tristan Thompson]

I mean, listen, it looked right to me. I said, it's only right. Who else you gonna be with? I'm a stud. You see, me, I got 16 and 14 in the game six, right. I'm a guy, right? So I was like, it's meant to be, right?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, man. And obviously. And you guys have remained close, obviously, through the scandal that you guys went through. But how hard was that? When you, like, this woman that you love that you know she's with you and you going through what you go through and it comes out, how do you break? How did you break the news? Like, there's gonna be something that's coming out. And, babe, I. I'm sorry.

[Tristan Thompson]

At 25, I ain't saying that. I was like, more like, I just hope nobody finds out.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But I'm like.

[Tristan Thompson]

I ain't hoping. I'm like, oh, man. So I. You could.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You could.

[Tristan Thompson]

You could have.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You could have defused some of it. You would have been out of it.

[Tristan Thompson]

You're right. And that's an area that I had to grow and evolve and mature, right? Because, you know. You know, when you're young and you think, we know it all right? So when bad things are coming or a big negative situation or pressing to come, right? You know, I didn't know how to handle it right? So for me, it was more just like, just take it for what it is and, like, deal with the punches, you know, because it's kind of like almost the athlete mentality, right? Like, it's like. For us, it's like, with injury, are we gonna figure it out?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right?

[Tristan Thompson]

We're Gonna rehab, we gonna figure it out. And that doesn't work when you're dealing with human beings and feelings. So for me, it was more so like a learning curve. Like, at the end of the day, if you're gonna date someone at whatever level, like, you gotta know what you're signing up for in terms of, like, being mature enough. But also, I think a level of like, you know, figuring out how you want your relationship to be portrayed, whether you want more privacy, where you wanna be more out there.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And, you know, I don't know. So I'm kind of like going with the flow and. But it's a learning experience. And, you know, we're in a great place and, you know, that's my dog.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So did somebody. Did somebody. You think somebody dimed you out? Cause how did they find out that they knew you was gonna be at a certain place at a certain time? Somebody had to dime me out.

[Tristan Thompson]

Someone for sure diamed me. Cause it was 5am in the morning when I went, when all that stuff

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

happens, when they got.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. So it didn't make sense. But, yeah, people talk. Social media is.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And plus, I be six, nine guy, you know, ain't a whole lot of six, nine burglars. You know what I'm saying?

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, the problem for us NBA players, we think when we put a hoodie on, we think we got a visible cloak, we be forgetting that we still tall.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So you have four kids now?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And a daughter. So what do you try to instill? What do you try to instill in your kids that your mom tried to instill in you? Because obviously, you know, you're. You. You were very, very close to your mom. I don't know the relationship with your dad, but I know you're very, very close to your mom. And so what do you try to instill in your kids that your mom instilled in you?

[Tristan Thompson]

For me, it's about just like, hard work and love and like, respect. Right. And my mom always taught me that. She said, you know, when you have manners, you can go a long way. Manners will take you a long way. And she said, if you always have manners and you're right and you're good to people, people will take the shirt off their back for you, because they love you, they respect you, and you know how to conduct yourself. So for me, being a parent and, you know, especially with, you know, the kids that we have, like, my kids are kind of high profile, right? And they're, like, in the public, and they live a life that I Didn't grow up living right. Very privileged.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So I try to make sure like. And I think, you know, all my kids, mothers, I think the beauty is that myself and my kids, moms, we all have the same mentality in terms of like old school the way we was brought up like here. Just cause we got money in our bank account don't mean we gonna.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

No, I got money. You ain't got no money.

[Tristan Thompson]

You ain't got no money. We're not gonna be like these Beverly Hills kids and be all weird and disrespectful to people. So my kids understand like, yes, please. No thank you. Respectful, like you're not about to. Yeah. Cause I remember when I was a kid, I remember my mom, she gonna hit me and box me in my mouth. And my mom used to wear a lot of rings. Yeah. When she used to hit me in my mouth with them gold rings, I'd be bleeding. I'm like, I'm gonna start crying. So we really instill the respect and that good foundation for our kids. Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills. But it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

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[Tremphya Advertiser]

I turned off news altogether.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

I hate to say it, but I

[Tristan Thompson]

don't trust much of anything.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It's the rage bait.

[Orderly Meds Advertiser]

It feels like it's trying to divide people.

[Tristan Thompson]

We got clear facts.

[Kal Penn]

Maybe we can calm down a little. NBC News brings you clear reporting. Let's meet at the Facts. Let's move forward from there. NBC News, reporting for America.

[Ashley I]

This is Ashley I from the Almost Famous podcast. Can I be honest for a second? Some mornings I look in the mirror and I think, why do I look this? Tired? Puffiness around the eyes, dullness. Because sometimes stress starts showing up on your face before you even realize it. And that's why I've been loving this holistic goddess. Organic castor oil. Roll on with frankincense. No crazy chemicals, no expensive treatments. It's just organic castor oil, frankincense and this rose quartz roller that feels so good on tired stressed skin. I look for anything that can depuff me. And this really did my under eyes look brighter? My face looked way more refreshed. It's almost like my face just exhaled. So try the holistic goddess organic castor oil. Roll on with frankincense yourself. Use my promo code [e-mail] ashley for 15 off promo code [e-mail] as it's

[Discover Card Advertiser]

smart to always have a few financial goals and a really smart one, you can set earning cash back on what you buy every day. And with Discover, you can get this. Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. Seriously, all of it. And we trust you to make smart decisions. I mean, after all, you listen to this show. See [e-mail] creditcard.

[Kal Penn]

Hey, everyone, it's Kal Penn, host of Irsay The Audible and iHeart audiobook. This week on the podcast, I'm sitting down with Wil Wheaton, who played Gordie Lachance in stand by me 40 years ago and now narrates Stephen King's the Body, the novella that inspired it all. We talk about what it's like to return to a story that shaped his life, channeling his memories of River Phoenix in the recording booth, and why the friendships you have at 12 might be the most important ones you'll ever have. I know Gordy Lynch Chance. I am Gordy Lachance. Like, I mean, even when I was a little kid, I was Gordy Lachance when I didn't know it. Listen to Earsay the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You recently went viral saying that Chloe kind of pushed you towards having a vasectomy.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

God damn. I mean, you don't want any more kids.

[Tristan Thompson]

I will say this. I do. Got some at Cedar.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Oh, oh, you got some saved. You got some.

[Tristan Thompson]

Store it up. I got some. Store it up. If, you know, if it happens. Happens. If it happens. If it does.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But it's. But the one that's stored up is only for her or you. You.

[Tristan Thompson]

I do got some. I got a little something in the back. In the back. John, you got some of your own friends, too. So. So she has some, but I got some of my own fridge. But, you know, that was one of the best decisions I ever made, really, was getting a vasectomy.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, well, you know, play Playboy Max, he went. I mean, he's 23 and say he got a vasectomy.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's early at 23.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I mean, I had an ex teammate that got one. I think he was like, 26.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

End up had it reversed. But I'm trying.

[Tristan Thompson]

I'm not reversing that. No, I'm not reversing.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So what is done? You done?

[Tristan Thompson]

I'm done. Whatever stored is stored.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

And if it don't. And if it ain't good, if it's expired, so be it. If it's like some spoiled milk. It is what it is.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But. And so let me ask you a question. Does. Was that because, you know, look, you in California. You have a kid in California, boy, they Rick you across the code with child support. You like, I ain't going through this again if I have another child. Oh, we gonna be married. Yeah, we gonna be married. Ain't no more outside. Cause, boy, them days ain't no more outside kids.

[Tristan Thompson]

Like you said, California is a bottle.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

That's a different animal.

[Tristan Thompson]

It's a different animal.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Would you be open to having more kids with Chloe?

[Tristan Thompson]

I would only want to have kids with someone I'm in a relationship with, yes. Like someone be married to.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I wouldn't do no more kids just to just have them.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I want it to really be a real foundation situation.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So she just your dog? Yeah. I mean, y' all don't have. Y'. All. Y' all just. Y' all just great friends now because y' all do share kids, right?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, we live. We live a minute away from each other.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Okay, so y' all still have a great relationship.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Was over there this morning with the kids, so we good. Like, it's. It's no issues, no bad blood. Like, we're family.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

She helps you take care of your brother. Your mom passed away, and you took on the responsibility of taking care of your brother. Now, someone in your position, it's hard taking care of a child. But your brother has epilepsy. And I don't know how often it comes on, but obviously he needs special attention pretty much 24 hours a day. And she took on that responsive. Help you with that responsibility. I think that says a lot. Double taught because of what she went through with you. For her to set that aside says, yeah, I know. Yeah, you made me look bad, but I still love you enough. I'm gonna help you with that situation. What does that mean to you?

[Tristan Thompson]

No, it means the world. Because, you know, to be honest, if it wasn't for, you know, my mom passing away and, you know, having my brother Amari, that's a big responsibility. You know, we have two nurses that take care of him around the clock. Yeah, 24 hours. And he has, you know, he's nonverbal, he can't walk, he's in a wheelchair. So he needs assistance for everything.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right?

[Tristan Thompson]

So, you know, with her stepping up and saying, hey, like you go focus on basketball, right? And focus on your career and go back to Cleveland and go do what you love to do. You know, if it wasn't for that, I don't know if I'd be able to go back to Cleveland and play them last two years and get 14 years. And I'll be honest with you, because that responsibility of Marius, it's so. I don't want to say time construing because that's a bad thing, but it takes a lot of hands on work because, you know, like even right now, you know, middle of the night, we're getting texts and we're calling doctors. You know, if I'm in, if I'm in Cleveland, who am I going to text to make sure, like I'm text the nannies and nurse, but like, who's their point of contact? If they got to go to UCLA and go see a doctor middle of the night in the er, I'm in Cleveland, how's it going to happen? So she stepped up and been like, literally like a, like a guardian angel savior. But also I think it's because, you know, my mom and Khloe were very close. You know, when I started dating Khloe, my mom's like, you know, that's my favorite girl because she used to watch the Kardashians. She's like, that's my favorite girl. So they already had a bond that was outside of Tristan. And kid you not like when I do my knucklehead stuff, my mom and Chloe were talking. My mom be like, so, you know, so they had their own relationship that was outside of me. And I think that also helped, you know, for Chloe, probably mentally. Like I can, you know, my feelings for Tristan is what it is. I can step up and be there for Andrea and Amari. Cause they're the same.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You know, I think the thing is, and I think now hearing you talk about it, you understand. Cause that's such a huge responsibility because you say he's non verbal, he's reliant on someone to do every single thing for him. And for her that's 90 non family member. You're not married to her if that was your wife. I could see, I was like, okay, that's a wife, and they say, for rich or poor, everything, I'm gonna do all this but for her not to be your wife. And, yeah, you guys have kids together, but to take on that responsibility and say, you know what, Double T, go back to Cleveland. Do what you need to do. I'll hold it down with him. I'll take care of him while you do you. I mean, Tristan, do you understand how special of a lady she is?

[Tristan Thompson]

No, I mean huge. Cause you know, you know, when you look at the comments, you'll be like, oh, I would have left him on the curve and figured it out. Da, da, da. So, you know, like, that's why, like, when people ask me about Chloe, I always give her her flowers because, you know, she doesn't have to do that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You know what I'm saying?

[Tristan Thompson]

But that just shows the type of amazing woman she is. And it doesn't stop with her being a mom. She's an amazing mom, and she makes my life easy, where I can go pursue all the endeavors that I want to achieve and all the extracurricular I want to work on and my passion projects, because I know she's going to hold the fort down and make sure, you know, True and Tatum are good, but also Amari's good, and she takes care of Amari just as much as she cares about True and Tatum.

[Lily Chu]

Wow.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

When your mom passed away. Your mom passed away at 53 years of age. 53 years young. Not old, young. What type of. Of impact did that have on you? Because you, like, you said you were very, very close to your mom.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, my mom was my everything. You know, she would text me in the morning, text me at night, every day, never miss a beat. Facetime me. So, you know, when that happens, I remember being in the gym on January 5th, working out, and I remember that was like, around 9:30. And I'm in between sets, and I'm looking outside and I see a rainbow. And I was just like, oh, it's a nice rainbow. It's so nice outside, because it was just, like, raining, but I saw a rainbow. And the next, you know, my trainer, my other trainer walks in. He's like, he's like, call. Call your mom or call your brother, right? Call your brother. And I'm like, call my brother. Because, like, why is my trainer talking to my brother? Because they don't know each other, right? But the fact that they were, like, trying to get ahold of me, I was like, oh, something's real, right? Something real happened. So, you know, when that happens, you know, that shook my world because, like, my mom's my everything. You know, she's tattooed on my rib. And, like, I. Honestly, the sacrifices I made as a kid, you know, leaving home early to go school in the States and stuff was all for her, right? Cause I didn't want to see her continue to struggle working three jobs and figuring out how to take care of Omari, but also be able to take care of the household because it's. As a school bus driver, you're not making a lot of money.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

No, you're not.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? So, like, having those responsibilities, it was only right for me to sacrifice, to try to, you know, make that money, to, like, take care of her.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Is that one of the reasons why you left school early?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, 100%, you know, and she told me, she's like, you could stay if you want to. Like, you know, But I was like, no, I'm gonna get to this money, because I don't want you to still figure out every month how to pay bills, how to. Why to keep sacrificing. You know what I'm saying? So I remember. I remember telling Rich, and I even told, like, the assistant coaches at Texas. I said, I'm only staying for one year. I don't care what it looked like whether I'm a top five pick, whether I'm a 30th pick or from early second round pick. I'm going to the draft because I got people back home that I gotta take care of. That's bigger than me being on a college campus eating wings and being in student union.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Kim let you use a private jet when your mom passed away. It seems to me that when you're in that family, you're family. I'm not just talking about Kendall and Kylie and Kourtney and Khloe and Kim and Rob. No, when you date one of them, you are family and they treat you as such. When. When she's like, get to your mom.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, I think. I think it starts with Chris. I think Chris has embodied that tradition and family and, like, really? Because, you know, like, we got family members like, yes, we got family members we can't stand, and we got family members that we just know what it is. Like, it's like, if I gotta see you, I just gotta see you, but I don't wanna be around you. But she's instilled in them, like, yo, we're all in this together. And like, you know, the fact that Kim said, you know, go take my plane and go see your mom and not even, like. Not even, like, second guess her. I didn't have to ask her. She's like, no, take the plane and go home.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

Go see your mom and go be there for your family. You know? But that just shows you the type of, you know, individuals and human beings they are that, like, regardless of what people might say or think, like, they're just amazing people.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right. First and foremost, does your daughter, True, think you're in the Chloe o' marriage think?

[Kal Penn]

She.

[Tristan Thompson]

She. I don't know what she thinks now because she's a little older, but I. For a majority of the time, she thought that me and Chloe were married.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

We haven't brought it up.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I think for us, you know, we. We do a good job. We just want True and Tatum just to be kids. Yes. Enjoy just being young. Right.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Like, don't worry about your mom and

[Tristan Thompson]

dad situation just because when you're around, we're respectful.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

We show love for each other.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I say I still when I'm. When I'm talking to True. I say, like, this is your. I say mommy. I don't say Chloe.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I say mommy.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

The same way when she says, like, dad, you know, or daddy, whatever it is, like, that's how our kids address us, and that's how I address her out of respect. Because they don't need to know the ins and out of our relationship or our dynamic. They're young.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Chloe was once married to Lamar Odom, and they had a public back and forth when his Netflix documentary came out. She been through a lot. Yeah, Chloe's been through a lot. I mean, dealing with his situation. Dealing with your situation.

[Tristan Thompson]

She get free hits on us. If she could put some boxing on some free hits, I'll be honest. He gets some free hits.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So did you have a relationship with Lamar when you. You guys. I mean, you ever spoke. Y' all didn't spoke negative to each other? I mean, obviously he played in the NBA. You played in the NBA, but that's kind of the extent of it.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, that's the extent. I don't have no relationship with him, obviously. Heard the Netflix doc. I mean, you know, I'm not here to, you know, everyone's got to figure out a way to put food on the table if that's his way of using Netflix. It is what it is. But, you know, you know, I remember I. I'm not gonna lie. I grew up watching Lamar Odom, you know, like, I was left handed at the time. He was left handed. So, you know, I remember like him, Darius Miles doing that stuff. So. But no, I have no, no persuasion with him.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

All right, back to basketball.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

Yeah, I turned off news altogether.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

I hate to say it, but I

[Tristan Thompson]

don't trust much of anything.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

It's the rage bait.

[Tristan Thompson]

It feels like it's trying to divide people. We got clear facts.

[Kal Penn]

Maybe we could calm down a little. NBC News brings you clear reporting. Let's meet at the Facts. Let's move forward from there. NBC News, reporting for America.

[Ashley I]

This is Ashley I from the Almost Famous podcast. Can I be honest for a second? Some mornings I look in the mirror and I think, why do I look this tired? Puffiness around the eyes, dullness. Because sometimes stress starts showing up on your face before you even realize it. And that's why I've been loving this holistic goddess organic castor oil roll on with frankincense. No crazy chemicals, no expensive treatments. It's just organic castor oil, frankincense, and this rose quartz roller that feels so good on tired, stressed skin. I look for anything that can depuff me and this really did my under eyes look brighter? My face looked way more refresh. It's almost like my face just exhaled. So try the holistic goddess organic castor oil roll on with frankincense yourself. Use my promo code [e-mail] ashley for 15% off promo code ashley.com ashley it's

[Discover Card Advertiser]

smart to always have a few financial goals and a really smart one. You can set earning cash back on what you buy every day. And with Discover, you can get this. Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. Seriously, all of it. And we trust you to make smart decisions. I mean, after all, you listen to this show. See termsiscover.com credit card.

[Kal Penn]

Hey, everyone, it's Kal Penn, host of Irsay, the Audible and Iheart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I'm sitting down with Lily Chu, the author of the Audible original romantic comedy Just Kiss Already. It's a story about a forensic anthropologist who secretly writes mystery novels, an actress who adapts his book into a film, and what happens when a meme and a media tour collide with a slow burn romance. It's performed by Simu Liu and Philippa Hsu, and it is an absolute blast.

[Lily Chu]

When you actually hear the performance, you realize that other people are taking your words and what you thought was kind of a straight, straightforward sentence. Like the cat in the corner is black. In my head, it's the cat in the corner is black. Not the dog, not the gerbil but someone else might say it the cat in the corner is black. That's always fascinating to me how they just bring in all these different nuances and really make it fun and interesting and distinctive.

[Kal Penn]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Foreign.

[Orderly Meds Advertiser]

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[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

The last two finals 1718 the warriors pull a power move and I said this. If they don't go get Kevin Durant, they're not beating you ever again because you got the one to twin.

[Tristan Thompson]

So it's your fault.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You put it out there, but they had to. No, I didn't know. I did not know they were going to get Kevin Durant. I knew he was a free agent and I said to myself, there's no way he's going to go join a team that beat him. After he was up 3:1, I was like, he's not going to do that. So it never even dawned on me that he would even consider that. It's his right to go wherever, but it never dawned on me that he would go there once he goes there. Yeah, I'm like, oh man, the Cavaliers still can beat him, but I'm like, I don't know how. They took him seven games and now you just added the second or the third best player in the NBA to the second player. So they got two and three. We got one. LeBron. LeBron is the best player to leave, but they got two and three. I I just don't know how The Cavs beat that.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, it was. I mean, when. When. When he announced that, I was like, no way. And, you know, I've known Katie. He's up in 17, and he's a brother to me, so, you know, I love Katie. But I was mad at him when he announced it, though. I was mad. I was mad. I was like, man, I'm trying to

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

get some cases anywhere but there.

[Tristan Thompson]

I mean, anywhere but there. Man, please, go to the Rockets, go play with James Harden. Go play with somebody else. But I know, listen, at the end of the day, you know, Kev did what's best for Kev. And listen, he won two championships, got Finals mvp, so it worked out for him. And, you know, like, you know, I love kd and, you know, he's one of my favorite players, so. But I was like, bro, you could just did that when I went to, like, the Celtics for, like, one year or, like, Sacramento.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. I think the thing is, people are saying that LeBron go into the heat, gave players top players, because before that, none of the top players ever moved anywhere. But LeBron going to the Miami, that gave, like, okay, LeBron made it okay. So now Kevin Durant, you see. Now you see trades now, big, you see Giannis going to Miami, you see Kevin Durant went to the warriors, you see a lot of players that normally wouldn't move. They ain't got no problem moving.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, but no, remember the Celtics, Ray Allen, kbg? It's a trade. But you know how the NBA works these days. Giannis only goes to Miami because he's telling them I'm assigned back. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Kevin Love only goes to the Cavs because he's going to commit to coming back. So KG going to Boston, he's going to commit to them long term. Same thing with Ray Allen. So, like, guys have been doing it, but at the end of the day, for Bron, because he is the face of the NBA, because he's up there with Jordan at the time, you know, he gets scrutinized more. Right. They give him a harder time.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

But, like, guys have been thinking about, even thinking about back in the day with Larry Bird, Bill Walton, Robert Paris, Kevin McHale, Kevin McHale.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It's okay if it's okay. So basically, it seems to me, and they've always seen people talk about, oh, super teams. They've always been super teams. What do you think the Lakers were

[Tristan Thompson]

Showtime, Lakers with Byron sky and those guys, Kareem James Worthy.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

The Lakers won the championship and get James Worthy as the number one overall pick. That'll never happen in today's game.

[Tristan Thompson]

Exactly.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

See the Celtics. So what do you think Mikhail Parish and Bird were. You don't think that was a super team with Dennis Johnson when they had Nate Archibald and they had Bill Walton coming off the bench as the sixth man who was a former mvp? So they've always been super teams. They tried to make it seem Boston when they put. But Paul Pierce was in Boston. And then they had Rondo and they had KG and they had Ray Allen. That was a super team.

[Tristan Thompson]

That was a super team.

[Ashley I]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So super teams didn't start in 2011 when LeBron went to Miami. It goes way back. The old 60s, Celtics were a super team. You got 11 hall of Famers on one team. Is that not a super team? There's only eight teams.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's exactly what I said. But you know why they do that, though? Because it's crazy. It's like it all stems from that Sports Illustrated article, the Chosen One. Yeah. Ever since that article, the media has always tried to find a way to pluck holes in LeBron's journey. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

It's almost like you guys gave him the name.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You gave him the name.

[Tristan Thompson]

You guys gave him the name. Then he had a tattoo. Cause you guys gave him the name.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And then now when he's doing something that he has the right to do, which he's seen other teams make super teams, now you guys try to critique and try to put a notch on his belt. You know what I'm saying? So it's just media.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

When you found out Kyrie wanted to leave, did you know he wanted to leave? Did you think he wanted to leave? Did you think he would ever leave? Because like you said, you had lost the championship, he was injured, you come back, you win the championship with him. Obviously, KD goes there. In 2017, you won a game. You probably should have. Probably should have went further. You had a lead. And then KD hits that three pointer. You had laid basically the whole game.

[Tristan Thompson]

Pull up left wing.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. Dehazi.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And then 2017, he, he, he leaves. Did you know he wanted to leave? Were you surprised that he wanted to leave if you didn't know he wanted to leave?

[Tristan Thompson]

I think for Kai, you know, we all talked about it because I think, you know, we knew this wasn't going to last forever. We knew we had probably a four or five year window.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And we, we talked about and discussed it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

We just didn't think it would happen so quickly.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because I think Kyrie was in a point where he was ascending and becoming a big. Like, after Steph, he was next.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

So you could see, you know, at some point he'd want his own team. But I think, you know, also, I think front office could have done a better job of how we handled it. And I think for Kai, he just wanted the conversation. There was things that he wanted done for him that I feel like could have been.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

They could have done.

[Tristan Thompson]

They could have done. Yeah. I feel like that relationship could have been fixed. It wasn't one of those where it's like, it's a hard no and I'm out.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

It was more so like negotiation. It's like me with the 82.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

If there's only 70 left, I'm gonna take 70.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

But I know I can get 82.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

So for Kai, it's like, I have some demands and I've earned the right. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I want my trainer to be able to come in.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I want my boys. If my boys wanna come walk around, you know, I want them to have that. I'm good like that.

[Tristan Thompson]

And we're not gonna. And the one thing about our team, we were so grown and mature.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

We're not tripping. We're not going to be given a hard time. Like, you think I'm going to come in there and be like, well, I need to get my guy in there?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

I'm not doing that guy.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

They're one or two guys that could do that.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. I know my place. You know when your mom say, stay in a child's place, you know what I'm saying? So. I know. So it was like, we could have made that work, obviously. Like, listen, we all think about it. I think Kai's mentioned it on platforms, and obviously Bron is like. Because we had something really special. I think sometimes, you know, it's like life, right?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yep.

[Tristan Thompson]

A conversation, a communication.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, even when you said about me, like, the whole situation with, like, my situation with Chloe, it's like, have a conversation before something bad happens. Yes. Let's have a conversation before decisions are made.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It gets to the point where.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

There's no returning back.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Is there anything Bron could have done differently?

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, I don't think so. I think, you know, it was more Kai in the front office. I think maybe at the front office, I don't know the end and out. Maybe if the front office came to, Brian said, help us out, maybe that could have Helped it. But I think it's just like, communication. Like, we gotta be on the strength, guys. Like, he has a right to feel away. Yeah, let's fix this. Yeah, let's fix this.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Because, I mean, the man just.

[Tab Ramos]

Bro.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

The man just averaged 29 in the finals.

[Ashley I]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

And Bron. And the one thing Bron always said, if you ask Bron, he says this. I was going to be in Cleveland for X amount of years, and Bron was going to give the keys to Kyrie.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes, it was.

[Tristan Thompson]

He was never going to gatekeeping and hold it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

But you know, some vets, they're going to hold it till the wheels fall off and when they're trash, and then they're going to still hold it. Like, Ron already knew. Like, I'm going to give you the keys to Cleveland. Like, this is going to be your. This is going to be your ship.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You see what he's doing right now with Luka?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You don't think he was going to do that for Kyrie?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Come on, now.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So, man, did you know lebron was always going to leave Cleveland, that he was coming back there? I mean, you just mentioned it. He was like, he was going to come back there for a finite period of time, and then he's going to be gone.

[Tristan Thompson]

I think the Kyrie trade kind of put the nail in the coffin.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because at that point, there's nothing. I'm a good player, but I ain't no Kyrie Irving. Right.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And you weren't going to get another Kyrie Irving.

[Tristan Thompson]

You're not getting another Kyrie Irving. So. And remember, we made the trade for it and Jay Crowder, and like, you know it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

At the time, it was hurt.

[Tristan Thompson]

He's hurt, mind you. You know it. That's my dog. But I don't even think it's. I think we could have reversed that trade. Yeah, he was hurt.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

So the fact that we don't do that, it's almost like if you, LeBron, now you sitting back, you're like, you

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

got a guy and you already know he's hurt, and he got a serious. What did he tear? I think he tore his labrum and his hip.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Johnny Flynn had remind you. We had clutch, so we had ca. But now we had clutch. We have Johnny Flynn, who's like it, more of a smaller guard. Those hip injuries, it's hard to come back from, especially the way those guys play.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

So, like, we already know what that's going to look like. So when Bron sees this happening, you're like, oh, you're basically telling me to go.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Cause normally what happens. I mean, we've seen this before, guys. Trades rescinded because the guy failed a physical.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, yeah, we've seen. I think in. There was a trade that happened.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Mark Williams didn't. The Lakers.

[Tristan Thompson]

Mark Williams, yeah, the Lakers did it. They said, oh, that foot, that foot, that baby toe don't look good. We're gonna send you back to Charlotte. So, like, that could have been done.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

When do you think LeBron gonna retire? You think he plays 24? He plays 25 seasons right now. He's in the process. You know, he's trying to, you know, what's the best situation where I can go and still contribute and potentially win a championship?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, I think for Bron, you know, he's still playing at a high level. He is. I think, you know, I think he's D. Wade. D. Wade is a great example. You know, D. Wade retired when he was ready. He retired averaging 17 points for the Miami Heat. Mind you, they were eight seed or six seed, but don't they make the playoffs? I think for Bron, as long as he still feels like he can dominate a game, yes, he'll keep playing. Because it's like, why not? You're in great shape.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You. You clearly show that you can lead a team in a playoff series with Luka. There's no reason for you to stop playing. Right.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

You.

[Tristan Thompson]

You could just. And you know, for me, the way I look at it is, like, keep adding numbers to the leaderboard. Right. Because it's. I don't think it's going to be very hard for someone to pass you.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

But stack it up.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. To make sure.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, to make sure.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Like, damn, that's real out there. I ain't gonna be able to get there.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Like. Because think about it. To pass Bron in the scoring, you gotta play.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You gotta play at least 20 seasons,

[Tristan Thompson]

maybe more than that. Cause you gotta.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Well, you gotta play at least 20. But you'll need to average probably like 27, 28 points a game.

[Tristan Thompson]

And you might need some 30. 30 seasons of 30 points, because then you can't miss games. Remember, if you miss a game that sets you back.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Remember, Brian didn't really have no serious injuries until Solomon Hill take his high ankle sprain.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yep.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yep. Yep.

[Tristan Thompson]

So we were actually talking about that on the trip, too. He said, my ankle still hurts from that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Really?

[Ashley I]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Cause you know, as you get older.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Cause he was playing at an MVP level. He was playing out of his mind. Cause that was a year, like, he scored. Like, he went to Atlanta and did a number on Atlanta. He goes to Charlotte, does a number on Charlotte. Like, right around his birthday, he's playing phenomenal basketball. And then all of a sudden, it was so high.

[Tristan Thompson]

Ankle spray. You know, when you get older, I get out the bed hurting. I don't know how you feel, but it's just like, no.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Did Kobe tell you if you had his shoes on instead of LeBron's, you get more buckets?

[Tristan Thompson]

He did tell me. He did tell me that. I remember the first year brought him back. I remember. So I'm wearing. I'm wearing the LeBron soldiers.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

And I'm with Nike. So I got the special edition double T color wave. It was fire. So Kobe told me something. You'll get more calls and more buckets if you wear my shoe. I looked at her, and I just started smiling. I was like, that would be something Kobe would say. It would be something he'd say,

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

who's your goat? Because you know what? I think the thing is, I don't think this is ever gonna end.

[Tristan Thompson]

Double T. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I think we're gonna have this conversation. The Jordan, LeBron. I think your kids are gonna have this conversation. And when your kids. Kids get. When your kids get old enough to have kids, they're gonna have this conversation. Will this conversation ever, ever end?

[Tristan Thompson]

Listen, as long as you have a Thompson last name, you live in my household. There's gonna be one go, okay, that's LeBron James. As long as you come, if you got my DNA, you gonna say LeBron James? I think it's all about eras, Right. I think it's like. It's like this, right? When you ask guys that are 45 and up, they remember, you know, this. It's a nostalgic moment. Right. It's like. It's like, why do guys our age love Jordans? We grew up watching Fresh Prince, watching the guys in the streets that were making money. They were Jordans. Yes. That was like luxury lifestyle. So, like, for older men, it's like NBC. Michael Jordan.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what? I think it was like wbn, whatever. Was the network. They were using Michael Jordan. Yes. For us, when we growing up is LeBron James.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Correct.

[Tristan Thompson]

And then playing with him. And I think what makes LeBron the goat, it's his leadership.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Like, you know, like Jordan, he was tough love. He's like my dad.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

But that's not what. Everyone can't take that same Kind of coaching. Right. Like the way you coach me and the way you coach Kevin Love is totally different. The way you coach me, the way you coach Swish is different. So, like, the fact that Bron knew how to coach people and, like, lead people in different ways.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's what. That's what greatness looks like.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And I think the thing is that he has a handshake for everybody.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

He has a handshake with the coach. He has a handshake with all 15 players. The training staff, Mike Macias. It does. He has the video. The camera lady at the Lakers. He got a handshake with her.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I was like, this is crazy. And he remembers them all.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yes. Think about it. When he talks after games and he talks about the plays that happen in the game.

[Tab Ramos]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And you're like, yo. How does he remember that? His memory. His memory box is out of this world. And even on a trip right now, he remembers all the hashtags. Still. Think about it. We haven't been.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

We haven't been.

[Tristan Thompson]

He hasn't been teammates with Shump for 10 years. Deadly. For 10 years.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

He remembers the handshake.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Canada. Growing up in Canada, did you always want to be an NBA player?

[Tristan Thompson]

So me being Jamaican and then growing up in Canada.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Soccer is my first love.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Okay. Soccer.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, and especially back then with the Reggae boys and making the World Cup.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Okay.

[Tristan Thompson]

And stuff. So that was always like my first passion. But, you know, once Vince Carter, what I tell people, like, Vince Carter is my Michael Jordan.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because he's the reason why I fell in love with the game. Him in the dunk contest. I remember I had a fake champions jersey of Vince Carter that was like the laminated one. Like, that was my guy. So, like, you know, once I saw Vince Carter, I was like, I want to play in the NBA.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

And a growth spur kicked in. I was like, might as well try this out. Yeah. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

The US versus the world. Is the world catching up to the US in basketball?

[Tristan Thompson]

Definitely. I mean, you could see the All Star Game. Think about Victor Wimby. Yeah. The alien.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. He brought the All Star Game back.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

He single handed. He challenged everyone.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Everybody.

[Tristan Thompson]

When have you seen Braun and all those guys take an All Star Game series? He forced their hand. So that just shows you the level of competition in the world that's improving, but also the respect that the American players have for the world. Players.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes. The last eight NBA MVPs have been international players. Jokic, Shai, Luca, Giannis. No. Well, Luca hadn't won an mvp, but Wemby is on the cusp. But you look at Shay and you look at Giannis and you look at Joker, Jokic.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Who's going to be the next American player to win the mvp?

[Tristan Thompson]

That's gonna be a tough one. And that's. And that's a problem with the NBA is facing right now. Because, you know, Ant probably has the best chance.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

But the problem for the NBA right now is that they realize you cannot. It's gonna be hard to grow the business of basketball having the face of the NBA be an international guy. Because I think it's an American sport.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You need an American born player to pump your business.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And that's the issue. So, like, I don't know. It's gonna have to be Ant. I mean, they just made a trade recently, so let's see what happens.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, they got a ball. Ball. Lamelo.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. Yeah. They brought him up with Y N. They brought a YM to them in Minnesota now. King YN 6, 7.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Drake put you in his lyrics.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You and Drake, obviously, he's from that area. You know, Drake, y' all grew up together and he. I mean, he's always. I don't see him as at the games as much as he used to be in Toronto. And they look like they're a pretty good team. So what's your relationship with Drake?

[Tristan Thompson]

That's my brother.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Cause I think he was at your mom's funeral.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yep, yep. He was there. Yeah. So Drake's my brother. I've known him since I've been 17. That's family. Always gonna ride with him. Like you said, he was there when my mom passed away. We have a relationship. I spoke to him during last week as well. Close. I mean, the beauty about us, all of us Canadians, you know, we all root for each other. Yes. You know, like for my. For myself. Like, you know, I'm close to Drake, but I'm also close with the Weeknd.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, I love the Weeknd. That's my brother as well. Party next door. Love him as well. Like, those are all. That's all family. And I think that's a beauty. Cause, you know, like for us from Toronto, the way we look at is like Toronto versus the world.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right. Okay.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, like, it's like we call it screw face capital. So, like we don't. We're very like, we come with a chip on our shoulder. So obviously Drake has definitely led the way in entertainment and music industry doing his thing. So, you know, that's he's hip hop. Needed him. Right. You see, when he dropped three albums.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. You know what? But it might take you to get Drake and Bron back together again. You working on that.

[Tristan Thompson]

I would love to listen. Yeah. Listen, I'm. I'm trying, man. I'm trying. I'm trying.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Mike Brown was your coach in Cleveland, and watching him, and I. I'm. I'm happy for Mike because I thought he got a. He got a seriously, seriously raw deal in Sacramento.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

And then for him to turn around and take a team to a championship, and he wasn't their first choice. He was probably way, way down the list.

[Tristan Thompson]

He was probably down at the bottom. They probably assisted coaches ahead of him.

[Tab Ramos]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, so I played for Mike Brown in Cleveland, and, you know, I'm happy for Mike getting out of Sacramento because. And I'm not here. Like, the reality is that the problem with Sacramento is that they have some great people on the staff. But it's like anything in life. Right. If you don't. If up here ain't right, you're right. You can't expect down here to be good.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

And I think, you know, the good thing about Mike Brown's deal is that they gave him an extension and they fired him a couple months after. So it's okay. Pay me and then fire me. Pay me to go home. So that's great for him, but you know, what Mike Brown was able to do and win that championship. He deserves it. Deserve it, man.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I don't know. Listen, Patrick Beverly said James Harden is better than D. Wade. And now he's saying, I take Jalen Brunson over Allen Iverson. And this thing, this ring culture has really skewed people because there are people that's winning championships, and they all of a sudden, well, he better than Charles Barkley, and he's better than this. I'm like, bro, do you. Just because he has a ring, and that's not to diminish it. But now a ring is the end all, be all. And I just. I can't get with that double team.

[Tristan Thompson]

I don't agree with it. I think, Yeah, I agree with you right there. I don't think rings make you great. Cause, like, listen, AI led the culture. He's the one that bridged basketball and hip hop.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

He did.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? Like, yeah, what? His impact.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Like, the big, tall tees, the baggage.

[Tristan Thompson]

Baggage tans, the tattoos with the braids. Come on. Like, he. He's the same way. Like, Dennis Rodman made almost like rebounding cool. Rebounding, cool. But almost made, like, being a black rock star cool. Like on some Jimi Hendrix stuff.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's impactful. That's like, part of, like, legacy. Yes, AI is part of, like, basketball legacy, where it's like, you don't need to compare him. He's like, untouchable. Because he was bigger than basketball. He was the culture. Think about, he had white kids getting weaved with cornrows and wearing sleeves. Come on now.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

He did.

[Tristan Thompson]

His impact in society is bigger than just winning a championship. So I don't even do that. No, leave that alone.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Dennis Robbins might have been the first that made dating celebrities as an NBA player.

[Tristan Thompson]

He had a hell of a run.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Did he?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, he had a hell of a run. I'll tell you, Ain't nobody gonna top him.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Nah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Madonna, Carmen Electra.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, he has.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, I think he had like a Tony Braxton or Jet. Like, he had some. He had some heavy hitters.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Darren Fox, you played with Fox in Sacramento. He had a tough go of it in. In the finals this year. He made a couple of plays that. You hate to say a play cost him the game, but he made some questionable decisions. Yeah, the one that I remember is that, bro, you got a one point lead, you dribble the ball out. You can't do that, T. You gotta make a. And as fast as he is, it's. By the time they catch you, three, four seconds, gonna be run off the clock.

[Tristan Thompson]

No, I agree. That was a tough one. It was a tough one, you know? Cause I play with Fox and I love Fox. He's a good dude and he's about the right things. And. And, you know, it's kind of like the JR situation. Right?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It's just that moment.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, it's just that moment and the brain, you just. You're not really thinking of all your decisions. Cause, you know, for him, he's like, I'm faster than everyone else. I can get a quick layup.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But the thing is, wt, if you see it, he has to slow down because he's running so fast. So by the time he slows down, OG comes. OG is right there. Right there beside him.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He Windex it if he just keeps

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

running and runs out the back.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Now, hey, come chase me, OG Yeah, turn around and go back the other way.

[Tristan Thompson]

But see how. See, like, a play like that could be the difference between Wimby winning a championship and being a champion or being Karl Malone. Yeah, See, like. Like that's. That's how that's how. That's how delicate winning a championship is. So when people are saying like because Jalen Brunson won the championship, he's better than the air. No, it's like something so small if Kobe gets hurt in the Lakers Sixers series.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Sixers win. Sixers win. Game one on the road.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? So like, it's not that easy. Just cause a guy wins, he gets like automatic. You don't get the trump card just cause of that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You had the bang with Big Perk. And we see Perk on television. I love Perk. What was it like banging with Perk? Cause obviously he was a little. He's on up there in age there. By the time he was sweating so

[Tristan Thompson]

much, he go through three jerseys and practice.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Damn.

[Kal Penn]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

But I love Big Perk, though. Cause one thing about Big Perkins, he helped me a lot on those playoff runs because he kind of said like double T, you gotta like be vocal with that toughness and like really control that paint and be the dog, right? Like Bron and Kyrie. Let them go do the cute stuff. You gotta be a nasty mother. You know what I'm saying? So he instilled that in me and helped me so much from what he did with the Celtics to help us get to those finals runs. So Big Perk. I love Big Perk. He was huge for me in terms of my maturity as becoming like an enforcer. In the pain.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You realize that when you're playing against the warriors, you're going to have to out tough their tough guy. Draymond Green is the heartbeat of that team. He's their enforcer, he's their intimidator. He's the guy that's going to get the rebounds. He's one of the few guys that they run an offense that he's a big. That they run their offense through back then. But you know, in order for you to win or you to have a chance to, you're gonna have to out tough him. You're gonna have to out rebound him. You're gonna have to. Hey, you're gonna have to go in there. Hey, you have to sling some elbows. You have to shove and push. So what was those battles like with you and Draymond?

[Tristan Thompson]

I loved it. I mean, think about it. We were both the heart and soul for both our teams. We were the guys that were doing the things that didn't show up on the box score that impacted winning. So, you know, we got into it because we loved. We love winning seasons.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Y' all got into it on the court.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. We get technicals and I remember I got thrown out of the game. I think I took a ball and smushed him with it and stuff like that. So, like, because we wanted to win.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

And remember our, our role. Remember, be a star on your role. My role is very similar to his role. So if I see a guy in my way, I'm gonna try to knock your head off.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

So, you know, those are some good battles. And it's crazy. Our kids, when we were battling, our kids are like best of friends. Like my son called Dre, my Uncle Dre, right back when I'm trying to knock his head off.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

So it was just so crazy. But like, now me and Dre, we super cool and like, he family.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I don't know how close you've been following this Jaylen Brown situation in Boston. And he tries to make it seem like it's media driven. He tries to, you know, it's espn, it's, you know, these. Whoever have the podcast. It's not us.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It's your team. Is because what he doesn't realize, and maybe it's easy because maybe espn, Nightcap or these other podcasts, maybe because we're low hanging fruit. We don't keep bringing your name up in trades. Boston does. They don't put Jason, not one time has you ever heard Jayson Tatum a part of a trade. It's always Jaylen Brown. He gets mad at the media. Why are you mad at us? Be mad at Boston that they keep including you. Because now sources that Boston's still not done trying to move Jaylen Brown, but he's mad at everybody.

[Tristan Thompson]

They still said that, huh?

[Tab Ramos]

Yes. Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. You know what it is? You know, I love jb and, you know, I've got to know JB very well.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And we played together for a year with the Celtics, but then obviously keep our relationship, keep going. Since then, you know, it's, I think for him, it's just, it's frustrating. Right. I think he, you know, the Fresh Prince ended at some point.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

All good, all good stories end. And I think for him, he's. He's earned the right to lead his own team. And I think because he's so embedded into, like, Boston community.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And he's helping the community.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

I know he doesn't want to leave and he wants to be part of that, but I think, like, it's okay to, like, you know, want to have a different look, but I think I'm not speaking for him, but it's also like they got something good going. Like, it'd be hard to walk away from that. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I don't know if he. I don't think he wants to walk away from that, but I think Boston is okay. Because I still believe that Boston believe Jayson Tatum is the better of the two players.

[Kal Penn]

Players.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

That's why they've never really included. That's why his name has never come up in a trade scenario.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

People don't normally put their best players available in a trade scenario.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. But also this. You know what? Also, I'll say this.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

What's that?

[Tristan Thompson]

I think also for what JB stands for.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

The city of Boston is different than that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And I think he stands like. I think when I look at jb, he's doing stuff that. Like Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, what

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

he stands for, Bill Russell.

[Tristan Thompson]

He stands for something so big, which I. Which I love about him. Because for him to be from, you know, a kid from Atlanta, from the upbringing he had, going to Cal Berkeley, which Brothers from Atlanta don't go to Cal Berkeley. And then him being that educated now, going to one of the more, you know, old school, traditional New England towns and standing up for our people. Yes, I commend that. And I think, you know, he's the type of guy, like, he wants to always beat the odds.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

And I think Boston is a town that they can't handle it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? But I think he knows that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

He's very outspoken.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, he's outspoken. And I love that about him. And I never want him to change. And I actually like the fact that he wants to be there, because it's like that city needs change.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because when I play there. They call you the N word.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

What?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, they gonna call you. They gonna call you that.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

They say. But that's not what they say. They say that's. They say that's.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's a lie. When they drunk. They gonna call you that. Because one thing about people in Boston, I played there, and I love Boston. They drink to get belligerently drunk. Yeah. And you know, when a mother gets really drunk.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

They're gonna be loose with the lips. Yes. And I definitely heard someone call me outside of a restaurant. Cause I didn't want to take a picture with him.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Loose lips are a sober mind's thought, though.

[Tristan Thompson]

Exactly.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You don't think. I mean, think. I mean, hey, if I want to get drunk, I ain't thinking about stealing the space shuttle Because I ain't never thought about that. Drunk when I was sober.

[Tristan Thompson]

Exactly.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

I turned off news altogether.

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I hate to say it, but I

[Tristan Thompson]

don't trust much of anything.

[Discover Card Advertiser]

It's the rage bait.

[Orderly Meds Advertiser]

It feels like it's trying to divide people.

[Tristan Thompson]

We got clear facts.

[Kal Penn]

Maybe we could calm down a little. NBC News brings you clear reports reporting. Let's meet at the facts. Let's move forward from there. NBC News reporting for America.

[Ashley I]

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[Kal Penn]

Hey, everyone, it's Cal Penn, host of Earsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I'm sitting down with Lily Chu, the author of the Audible original romantic comedy Just Kiss Already. It's a story about a forensic anthropologist who secretly writes mystery novels, an actress who adapts his book into a film, and what happens when a meme and a media tour collide with a slow burn romance. It's performed by Simu Liu and Philippa Su, and it is an absolute blast.

[Lily Chu]

When you actually hear the performance. You realize that other people are taking your words and what you thought was kind of a straightforward sentence. Like, the cat in the corner is black. In my head, it's the cat in the corner is black. Not the dog, not the gerbil, but someone else might say it. The cat in the corner is black. That's always fascinating to me, how they just bring in all these different nuances and really make it fun and interesting and distinctive.

[Kal Penn]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app, or wherever you get your podcast.

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[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Well, you know, we got two Atlantians that went to Cal. Sharif Abdul Raheem went to Cal.

[Tristan Thompson]

Oh, he did? Yeah. Oh, wow. Okay. Okay.

[Lily Chu]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Educated. Where you went to Savannah. You went to Savannah State?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I went to Savannah State.

[Tristan Thompson]

Okay. Donovan Mitchell. That's an Ivy League school.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Close. You played with Donovan in Cleveland. What is. Doc. What are they gonna have to do? Because they've had on some hard times. I mean, this year they got swept up 22. So clearly no lead is safe against the Knicks. Cause they were up 22, and then boom.

[Tristan Thompson]

And then sending them to Spursy, the same thing.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Up 29, up 16, up 14, up 13. What. What. What is Donovan gonna need to do?

[Tristan Thompson]

I think for Don. I think. I think they gotta figure. I think they gotta figure out the Jared Allen, Evan Mobley situation, right? Because I think them playing with the two bigs right now isn't working. No, it's not working. And they're trying to separate their minutes, but the problem is, when you separate their minutes and don't have to play together, if Jared is playing well, he gonna get taken out, right? And he gonna be like, Well, I got 20 and 10, and I gotta sit out because Evan gotta play. And it's not like he has a problem with Evan playing, But it's like most bigs, when you're rolling, you stay in the game, right? So I think they gotta figure out those two guys, and whichever one they pick, they got to bring up a four man that can stretch the floor, right?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

So you think that there's a possibility they might need to break that up? Because you got. Because you think about it you got two bigs, you got hard, and you got Mitchell.

[Tristan Thompson]

Well, Harden ain't going nowhere because you trade Garland firm. So you're already making that commitment. Like we said, man, it's like the Giannis thing where you make the trade.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

You gotta bring it back.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? So James Stain, Don Stain. Yeah. You gotta decide, are you gonna go with Evan, who's young and potential former defensive player of the year, or you go with the more seasoned vets center with Jared Allen. Right. And you can't have both. There's gotta be one or the other. That's the reality.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You played with the Lakers, you got an opportunity to reunite at the end with LeBron in LA. What was it like? So was there. Was LeBron different in LA than what you remember him in Cleveland?

[Tristan Thompson]

No, he's the same. The work ethic the same. The drive's the same. The competitive nature the same. What I loved about it was that, you know, because we have history, because being at a Laker locker room, Lakers locker room, a lot of guys haven't played with Bron or have that sweat equity with Bron in terms of the respect level. So when I was with the Lakers, I kind of came in. It was kind of like that bridge, the gap between the young guys and the older guys, but also like Bron and like the team. Right. So there'd be moments when we watch a film, and I'm like, you know, a guy will blow by him, like, so you can't guard him no more. The LeBron I know can guard anybody. Right. And that kind of motivated him a little bit. And whether whether it did or not, it's like, I can hold you to a different standard compared to your teammates, a Jerry Vanderbilt or an Austin Reaves. Because we go back, right? We've been in. We've been in the fire. We've been through war. World, War Z. Yeah. You know, so, like, that's what I loved about going back there. And like, almost like I remember you a certain way and I know you're that person still.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

What's we hear about LeBron and being able to play, to play. Just finished 23rd season. He's going to play this year. Don't know if he'll play after that. And you hear about LeBron's diet. What does his diet consist of, to the best of your recollection?

[Tristan Thompson]

I mean, you know what? I'll say this. He loves his breakfast. He love his pancakes. And I said, he love his pancake, his three pancakes with his strawberries and banana and syrup. But I'll say this, though, and I remember getting this information from Steve Nash. I think you do it as well because you work out every day.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I do.

[Tristan Thompson]

As long as you work out every day and you keep that body active, you could still eat because you eat. You eat good meals, too. You.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I remember.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah, you eat some good meal. I remember. I remember back in the day, you had your plate.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, I was meal prepping with. Meal prepping. Yeah, yeah. I'm still. Chicken, rice, broccoli, green beans, lean cuts of protein.

[Tristan Thompson]

But you have a good amount, though.

[Ashley I]

You.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. You're not. You're not. You're not eating like.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

No, I don't eat like I used to.

[Tristan Thompson]

You don't eat like a fairy.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Hell, no.

[Tristan Thompson]

Okay, okay.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But I still, I, you know, it's 8 ounces. A cup of rice.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

A cup of broccoli. You know, stuff like that. But I don't. I don't overdo it because I'm not as active and I'm not like, LeBron is still running up and down the court, you know, playing 35, 40 minutes a night. But to see him be able to play at that level and people like. I'm not saying that. For me, the way I judge it, Double T, is that I eat, say for every six good meals I eat, I'll eat one bad meal. And so I try to do it like that. So over the course of the week, I'm trying to get, you know, 30, 30 good meals in. And I have two bad meals, two and a half.

[Tristan Thompson]

Which one of your bad meals? Not even that bad.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Probably Cane's. That four piece chicken tender. Or I'll do a burger. I'll do a smash burger with fries.

[Tristan Thompson]

I love me a smash burger with fries. So good.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

But just a meal. Not a day. I don't take the whole day.

[Tristan Thompson]

Oh, so one meal.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah, one meal. So if I'm gonna eat bad, I'm gonna have a meal. Like, I get breakfast or I get, like you said, French toast or something like that. But I'm not gonna eat bad the entire day.

[Tristan Thompson]

No, you can't do that. You'll be on the toilet.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah. What's your favorite. What's your. Your favorite moment? What's your favorite moment from your NBA career?

[Tristan Thompson]

Winning a championship. Winning. Because you know what? It wasn't even about the championship. It was about the people in Cleveland. I thought about.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because, you know, when I got drafted there in Kyrie, all Everyone talked about it, says, like, are you gonna leave us? Like LeBron, like one kid said that. Or like, we went 52 years without winning a championship. Are we gonna ever win a championship? Right. So like, like, for me, all I thought about was the people in Northeast Ohio.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because, like, that was the people that mattered the most. Like, I remember a gentleman coming up to me, 70 year old man crying like real bawling tears, saying like, thank you for winning a championship. Now I can. I could pass away as a champion.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Wow.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's what he said. So, like, that touched me. Like, it's bigger than us. Like that. That championship wasn't just about the Cavs. That was about Northeast Ohio.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right?

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Do you remember when you dunked the ball at last second against the Raptors?

[Tristan Thompson]

Oh, yeah, I remember that. And then I tweeted, why you dunked

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

the ball with the B. You know you can't do that. Number 10.

[Tristan Thompson]

That's what I was gonna say. They were double teaming and guarding us in last possessions.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

And they were scoring and taking it serious. So all I'm saying is that if it's a minute left in the game, I'm cool with you guys going to like, when you guys get the possession, go score. But if we got the possession, why are you trapping and double teaming us? Like, this ain't au, where this ain't FIFA, where every point counts for the next round. So you guys double team us. I'mma dunk the ball. And I'm from Toronto too, so I ain't know how many more dunks I'm gonna get in the city. So I had to get one more

[Tremphya Advertiser]

dunk in the city.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

You got any advice for Clay dealing with a public breakup? I think don't say anything. Huh?

[Tristan Thompson]

Don't say anything. I think the worst thing you could do is feed into the beast.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Like, if you speak up, you give it more legs.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You allow them to take another day to talk about it. You had a relationship with someone, an artist. It didn't work out. If she wants to say something, let her do whatever she wants to do. You keep your mouth quiet. And honestly, as a man, keep your mouth quiet.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because I've never went out there and defended myself because it's just not what we do. And I think I've known Clay for a long time and he's living his life. He want to go fishing and enjoy it and. As he should.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right. Having dated a celebrity, what advice would you give other NBA players or other professional athletes that want to date a Celebrity.

[Tristan Thompson]

Celebrity. You know what I'm saying? Because our life is so public, some things. Some things should be left private if you can.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

And I think dating someone, especially when it's very early.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

If you married, that's different. You know what I'm saying? That's your wife. You could be public. But when you're in a dating space and it's very early, cherish and protect that. Because if you allow people to have access to that now, you give your whole life, if everything in life is being able to be touched, messed around with, what do you have to yourself? Yes. At least if you love this girl or you're into her, try to cherish it for as long as you can and keep it private. That's what I advise the young kids.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Because when you put it on social media, you invite comments and criticisms.

[Tristan Thompson]

Yeah. And negativity critiques.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Mellow to the Timberwolves. Are you surprised that they moved? Mellow.

[Tristan Thompson]

I'm definitely surprised because, you know, they had a. You know, they were one of the best records in the NBA the last half of season. Yeah. The second half of season after All Star Weekend. Right. So for them to pull that trigger. Most teams, when you end the season on a high like that, you run it back or you add some quality bets to take it to the next level. So the fact that they get off him, you know, for me, it's a weird feeling because it's like, aren't you guys trying to make the playoffs? And don't get me wrong, like, Kobe White's great.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

They resigned him.

[Tristan Thompson]

They resigned him for a three year, $72 million deal. But, like, like, he was great at coming off the bench for that. Yeah. You know, like, you got to keep that going, but who knows what's going on internally.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right. So what's next with Double T, man?

[Tristan Thompson]

I mean, it's been great. I mean, I think for me, I've realized. And I think you. You went through the same transitions that when you're. When you're done playing or you're at that crossroad, you got to make the transition of what you want to do right away.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Correct.

[Tristan Thompson]

Because the iron's hot. The iron's hot. And you have a halo and a cachet. It's almost like politics. Politics. The reason I always say you never met a broke politician before, they don't exist. Right. But the reason why they ain't broke is that when they're done in office, they still have this halo and cachet.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Tristan Thompson]

That they can still put Themselves in positions to make money or put themselves in positions to make more money because they have that, that, that. That name behind it. Former congressman, former governor. It's the same thing like us.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yep.

[Tristan Thompson]

When we retired. The first two years is our hottest years, because the first year, it's like you don't really know if you're retired or not. They don't really know. People don't really know if you're still playing or not. So it's like you gotta be active. So for me, it's like doing broadcasting. Right. Was doing NBA tv. But also for me, now I want to do something that's outside the box. And I look at guys like Shaq and Magic Johnson.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, Shaq and Magic were one of the two guys that were able to leverage their nil to open up business for them.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And for me, it's like Shaq and Matt, they, you know, much older in age. There's another young guy that needs to take that. Take that spot. And I. And that's me.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes, you.

[Tristan Thompson]

So for me, what I'm doing is a lot more like venture finance.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Yes.

[Tristan Thompson]

And looking at where the world's going and now where the world's at. Right. So I'm excited.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Anything you want to promote, you got to promote anything. You got a book coming out, got a movie, docu series.

[Tristan Thompson]

Ooh. I mean, I got some good stuff. You know, for me, it's just more like I'm in the business of business. I'm here to invest.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

I'm helping a lot of companies out. Actually. I actually helped a company that I'm an advisor for are a robotics company. Just took them public on nasdaq.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Right.

[Tristan Thompson]

So we're doing very well. I'm active hunk. I like nice things. I like nice watches. As long as you. If he likes nice things, you gotta be making that money.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Diamonds on, you know, a little something, man.

[Tristan Thompson]

You know, I'm trying to be like you, man. I knew the pressure was on. The pressure's on. Look at you, man.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Listen, thanks for stopping by, Double T. Tristan Thompson.

[Tristan Thompson]

Appreciate it.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Appreciate you, bro.

[Tristan Thompson]

Thank you, man.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Thank you again, Double Barrel in the whiskey shop in Beverly Hill for hosting us today. With over 3,000 different types of whiskey, the Double Barrel has everything you need, and it's a full shop lounge, so you can actually try before you buy. Family run and operated with locations in Calabasas, at Saddle Peak Lounge, and here in Beverly Hills, the Double Barrel and whiskey shop is the place for all your whiskey needs. Thank you again to the Double Barrel and Whiskey Shop for my life been

[Tristan Thompson]

grinding all my life Life Sacrifice hustle paid the price Want a slice, got to roll a dice that's why all my life I be grinding all my life look all my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice hustle paid the price Want a slice, got the rolling dice to swap all my life I've been grinding all my life Big transfer news today. Who's moving me to the couch with Domino's?

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Best deal ever since they just added stuffed crust.

[Kal Penn]

Any pizza, any toppings? Now with stuffed crust for 9.99.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

It's a long term contract with no release clause.

[Kal Penn]

Only 9.99? Yeah, that sounds like the move.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

I'm heading straight to dom.

[Tristan Thompson]

Price is higher for some locations.

[Interviewer (possibly a sports journalist or podcast host)]

Excludes Excel and specialty pizzas. Select this offer from 615 through 726 online only.

[Tristan Thompson]

Size availability varies by crest height max 7 topping 6 for Anna New York style crust. Minimum purchase required for delivery prices, participation, delivery area and charges may vary.

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[Kal Penn]

Hey everyone, it's Kel Penn. I'm inviting you to join the best sounding book club you've ever heard with my podcast, Hearsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. Every episode I nerd out with amazing guests and dive into the best new audiobooks available on Audible. It's the book club for your ears. Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart audiobook club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts

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