Below is a Q&A with former Lakers forward Mychal Thompson, who is a radio analyst for 710 ESPN and is the father of Warriors guard Klay Thompson. I profiled their relationship in the print edition, but below is an expansive transcript of my interview with Mychal this week in the 710 ESPN studios in downtown Los Angeles.

What do you make of the Golden State Warriors this season?

They’re a nice team. This is the kind of year I expected from them with a healthy Bogut for the most part. They have Curry back. I thought they would be a playoff team. Anything less than that would be a major disappointment. They’re doing what I expected.

How would you evaluate Klay Thompson’s development?

The main complaint I have about his game is he needs to shoot more free throws. He needs to get to the line more. He’s a 85-95 percent free throw shooter so in the position he plays, he has to draw more fouls in the way that Kobe does, James Harden, Westbrook and these guys because they’re constantly on the attack. Just don’t settle for jump shots. I always tell him, can’t you get eight free throws a game, two a quarter. If you’re aggressive off the dribble, you can do that.

Warriors coach Mark Jackson has been telling me he needs to attack the basket more, run more pick and roll.

Exactly. Get in the lane. You’re 6’7”, long guard so take advantage of that size.

What’s impressed you, though, about him?

The way he competes. He really competes hard. I like his defense. People are now noticing he moves his feet well defensively to keep his guy in front of him. I’m proud in how he takes as much pride as he does in stopping somebody as he does in scoring. He wants to work on his defense and creating off the dribble more to get to the line. He worked on a lot of that this summer.

With his shooting, that’s always been one of his main strengths. What did you see over the years as far as how he honed that craft?

I always told him, it came naturally. He had a gift and perfect form. He realized that was his strength and something that could get him to the highest level and keep him around for a long time. I always tell him you’re much more than a standstill shooter. I always tell Klay and all my boys to be a complete all around player. Defense, scoring, rebounding, passing, creating off the dribble. Just be a basketball player like Kobe. Dwayne Wade.

When did you notice him evolving to become that complete player?

He always was to tell you the truth. Whatever level he played at, he always was a playmaker and shooter. Even though he was a tall kid, he played the point guard for Santa Margarita Catholic High and being in that position to facilitate for his teammates too. He always had that ability. I always tell him to never lose that. Never become a one dimensional player and all around player.

Are there any shooters that remind you of him when you played or just in general?

Byron Scott. He’s that type of shooter. A lot of people don’t know that about Byron. Byron shot 50 percent for his career. That’s how good of a shooter he was. Reggie Miller, Ray Allen. Those are the kind of players Klay admired growing up.

That’s one of the things I was asking Mark because he obviously played with Reggie. He made that comparison, but he hedged a little bit simply because he wants to see how he plays in the postseason. How does he carry that through once they play in the playoffs?

That is the next level he has to reach. Now he’s going to be in the playoffs this year. How do you your get your game to the next level in the biggest moments, clutch moments in the playoffs? He won’t always be in that position because they have Steph Curry and David Lee, who they can go to for a last shot. But when an opportunity does come for him, he has to step up and knock those big shots down the way the clutch shooters have done in the past in the playoffs.

Do you see him having the necessary DNA?

Yeah. I can see him not shying away from the moment. He’s not afraid of the big moment. He’s not afraid to take the last shot if that’s what it takes.

When did you notice him having that DNA?

Ever since he was in AAU basketball. The teams he played on in high school, he became that guy in his junior year, the go-to guy for his high school team

What do you say to him before the game when the Lakers are playing him?

The main thing I always tell him and any player when he’s valuable to the team is don’t get in foul trouble. Stay on the floor. You saw that last night in Trey Burke. If you’re one of the main players and you’re sitting on the bench with foul trouble, what good are you doing your team. I always tell him play smart the first half of the game and stay out of foul trouble so you can stay on the floor. Michael Jordan and LeBron, all the great players know how to keep themselves in the game and not take themselves out.

How does he take it?

He takes it very well as long as I don’t overdo it. I don’t do it all the time so I’m not belligerent with it or too redundant. You pick your spots when you do it.

How do you go about doing that?

You say it nicely in a real constructive way, not in a criticizing way. Just as a reminder, stay out of foul trouble and just go out thre and be ready to go from the start.

Klay said the team had fun when you said on the radio that you’d dock his allowance after getting fined for his incident with Indian’s Roy Hibbert

It was just a joke on my part. Think about it. You were 23. Anyone who’s 23 would put thsemlves in that situation. Your dad isn’t in charge of them. You’re in charge of your own self. You’re responsible for your own money and everything. I can’t believe people actually took that seriously.

Were you amused by it?

I was amused by how gullible people are. You say anything and all of a sudden the news media will run with it as the truth or the gospel. It was being discussed on PTI or Around the Horn. I’m like doesn’t these people have anything more serious to talk about? I couldn’t believe it.

They take you at your word right? You’re a credible source

I guess. But you got to be able to decipher when things are tongue and cheek. It was a news slow day.

With you being so honest on telecasts, do you feel conflicting at all with Klay?

No. The main thing when I see my sons play, is I say don’t play soft. Just compete. I was around some of the greatest competitors in history when they played with the Lakers. Clyde Drexler in Portland. Of course, you see Kobe compete every night. Those guys don’t leave anything on the court. That’s all I ask with my sons there is to give it your all.

I think the first time Klay played the Lakers he had 14 points. Kobe got his, but when Klay defended him, did fairly well. What did you remember about that game?

I remember how Kobe really showed him respect. Kobe was really guarding him tightly and respecting what he could do offensively. When Kobe had the ball, he was going at Klay to test him. Young player. He grew up around the game and Kobe loves to test the young guys when they come in to see how mentally and physically tough they are. Klay held his own. He didn’t back down and I was pleased to see that.

Obviously it’s a different level when you’re going against a different caliber player in Kobe Bryant even though he’s also going against other NBA players that are at the top of the line. When you go against a legend like that, that’s the ultimate test. I had to face him when I had to go against Kareem. Sure, I’m in the NBA. But now I’m going up against the greatest center in the history of the game here in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar arguably and Klay had his moment going against Kobe. Every athletes says they want to test themselves against the best. As a rookie, he was able to test himself against the best.

Did you feel differently before that game?

No question. It’s a lot different when you see your son go against Kobe for the first time as opposed to going against another player of Kobe’s status and stature. The nerves definitely come up because you realize he’s at a level now that he’s never faced before.

Since then, I’m still nervous for him because I know what a mean tough SOB Kobe is on the court. He’s a killer and an assassin. He wants to take your heart out. You’re always concerned when your son or daughter is going against a competitor like that. When you see them hold their own, you say I guess he’s ready for that kind of challenge now.

How difficult was it to address Klay’s incident in Washington State when was cited for marijuana possession?

It was very difficult. We’ve all been to college. My roommates and friends smoke marijuana around me. I was around it. You can’t shelter it on a college campus. You have to be realistic about it. But like I always tell my boys, when you go off to college, you’re going to be surrounded by it. You’re going to have a choice. Do you use it or not and if you do use it, it’s a chance you’re going to get busted and your name is going to be the one talked about not anonymous people. No one isn’t going to care about them. You have to understand the risk you’re taking. I always warned them about the temptations they’re going to face and peers because you’re around it. You have to isolate yourself and be realistic. I just tell him to make the right choices because you’re the one risking embarrassment if something goes wrong I gave him that warning and they saw throughout the years other athletes screw up and ruin their image or make a mistake. It doesn’t make you a bad person, but he can’t afford to make a mistake. It cost his team a game because of a suspension probably and maybe a chance at the NCAA tournament. There’s consequences for it and you have to be ready for it.

Was it hard addressing that situation on the air?

It wasn’t that hard. Klay is apublic figure. If something like that happens, it’s going to make ESPN. It’s going to make national news. You can’t hide from it. You may as well face it and own up to it and realize you made a mistake. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. You’ll be a dumb person if you keep making those mistakes.

Did anything constructive come out of it?

I would think so, realizing how you have to watch yourself if you’re a public figure like Klay is. You really have to watch out who you hang out with and what you do.

What did Klay get out of being around players like Kobe, Clyde Drexler, Rasheed Wallace?

It definitely benefits young players to be around those kind of guys. They see how hard you have to work if you want to get to the NBA and they see how talented they are. They can learn and be a sponge and get advice frm talking to Clyde Drexler or Terry Porter or Jerome Corsey, Kobe or Magic Johnson. He got to talk to all these guys. Doc Rivers and get advice from those kind of guys. When he’s around those circles, if you can get the adice and coaching from playres of that caliber, you’ll definitely remember what thery’re going to tell you.

What did they tell him?

They all said to work hard and make sure you don’t let anybody outwork you. AS hard as you’re working, someone else is out there trying to take something from you. Don’t let that happen.

What qualities do you see Klay having from them?

He has the work ethic of Kobe. He takes his job seriously like Kobe does. I always talk to him about how hard Kobe works. He has the basketball IQ of a Drexler and a Magic Johnson because he sees the floor very well. He wants to defend people the way Doc Rivers used to it. He’s taken a piece from all the people that he was around.

Any qualities you see in yourself in him?

I always emphasized the post game to him. I tell him, you’re a tall guard. A lot of guys are tall, learn how to expand your game and put your back to the basket like Kobe has, Dwayne Wade can do it. Michael Jordan can do it. Just expand your game. If you like that weapon in the post against smaller guards, that’s just another thing the team can use you for.

Klay said he jokes he didn’t get his athleticism from you

He got it from his mother. She is the athlete of the family. I always tell the boys that. She was a good athlete growing up. I can’t compare to her man. She’s amazing.

When did Klay first beat you one on one?

It was about 14. It had to be nine years ago. I was in my late 40’s. By the time he was 13 or 14, I couldn’t keep up with him. It’s not a moment. You understand it’s the passage of time. It’s a transition in life. There comes a time where you can’t keep up with your kids anymore and there comes a time where it happens to everybody, not just me, especially in whatever sport to play in, especially in basketball. I expected that moment to come so I was prepared for it. It wasn’t anything sad for me. It’s like retirement you have to bring yourself to retirement and prepare yourself for that too.

Was it hard to handle?

I was able to handle it. I was like it’s about time. You’re 13 or 14 years old you have to be able to beat me if you want to be a Division I player.

Did Klay talk trash?

Nothing. Klay is very confident and very quiet. He doesn’t brag outwardly, but I’m very sure he was just laughing at his old man. No, by the time Michael was 15 or 16 and Klay was 13 or 14, I couldn’t play anymore. I didn’t try to fool myself. I can outshoot him. But I can’t outplay him.

Do you do shooting contests with him?

I haven’t done it for a while. But anytime he wants to challenge me, I’m up for that. If you can shoot, it’s like riding a bike. You can always shoot.

Did he beat you?

Not that I can remember (smiled). I would have to say it’s probably 5-0. Next summer I’ll give him a chance to redeem himself.

Is it H-O-R-S-E

Mostly threes. I don’t play HORSE. It’s kind of boring. I shoot 3’s.

What difference has Klay’s work ethic made in his game?

It makes all the difference in the world for him not to be satisfied. I keep telling him you’re just getting started. You haven’t even started your career yet even though this is your second year. He wants to play in the All-Star game someday. If he wants to get to that level, he knows he has to keep working at it. And he does. He works on all parts of his game and doesn’t take it easy. He’s not lazy. He will shoot in the middle of the night.

How did Klay fit into the roster last season?

That was a blessing in disguise for him. They suffered through so many injuries in Golden State. That made him grow up a lot faster. That sort of put a fast track on his career . Curry, David Lee and the other veterans play a lot ofgames so all of a sudden the young guys have extra minutes to play. Obvioiusly they werebn’t going to make the playoffs anyway. That benefitted him for this year.

How critical was it for Jackson to support Klay during shooting slumps?

I always tell him is that one thing about Kobe Bryant and players of that caliber, they can go 2 for 20 and they think they’l l be 3 for 21 on the next one. They nevert lose confidence in themselves even if they have an off night or off week. All the great ones keep confidence in themselves even when they hit a dry patch. You don’t get down on yourself.

How does he take the feedback?

He listens very quietly. He will ask the right questions. But you always find out later what you told him eight or 10 months ago, he remembered. He will tell someone else and it will get back to me with my dad something. He remembers. He’s like a sponge and soaks everything on he says. He doesn’t forget. He’s got a memory like his mother.

And Klay says you videotaped all his games?

I was videotaping him baseball, basketball and football games ever since they were toddlers. I have those videos and they come home watching them. I advised that to all the parents to get a video camera and document everything. You’ll appreciate it later in your 20’s.

Football career when Klay was a quarterback in six, seven and eighth grade. He was really good at quarterbacking and a lot of high school coaches up in Oregon really wanted him to play QB in high school for him. His 6th, 7th and 8th grade football team were special and had some atheltes on that team. I always talk about that. He always says, Dad, that’s just 6th, 7th and 8th grade. Who cares. Yeah but you guys were good. He looked like a young Joe Montana. We all have the basketball tapes too. Klay was always a good player. We always liked to go out and he stood out in his basketball teams. He was the Kobe Bryant on his teams.

How many tapes do you have?

Ever since he was born until a couple of years ago. I have them all stacked up. I have to get to them transferred over on DVDs one of these days. Ever since he was born until now.

So where do you see his career heading?

I have to keep it all in perspective. He has a lot more to learn and he will in gaining more experience. You realize he’s just scratching the surface. If he keeps working hard and taking care of himself off the court, he might roll his eyes. But by the time he was great, 35-36, if you do everything right, you will be a Hall of Famer and I don’t think he can if he does things the right way. He respects the game and respect his opportunity. You see so many kids that act like you’re entitled. Don’t act like you’re entitled. God has blessed you and you have to make sure you take care of it by treating it respectfully.

So you see him winning championships?

Everybody dreams of that of course. He’s in a great situation up there in Oakland and he has an excellent coach and has great ownership to build a winner. He’s in the kind offranchise that could win championships in the future because the coaching staff and the ownership will do it. I expect that they will contend for championships in years to come.

Who do you root for when Klay plays the Lakers?

My blood is purple and gold. He knows that. I hope he has a great game. But I want the last shot of his to rim out if it’s a game winner.

RELATED:

Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson a chip off the old block

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com