LSU standout Flau’jae Johnson is preparing for the upcoming college basketball season by reaching beyond her collegiate circle to train with top NBA players. Recently, Johnson revealed she has made connections with Dallas Mavericks guards Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson as part of her efforts to enhance her skills. She and Irving have already met and plan to train together soon, while Thompson expressed openness to shooting sessions once he returns to Dallas, showing enthusiasm for these collaborative workouts.
The Reason Behind Klay Thompson’s Availability Concerns for Training
Johnson shared her admiration for Thompson’s skill set as the reason she reached out to him:
I texted Klay Thompson, because I’ve always been impressed with his balance and his footwork. I was like, ‘You know, I would really love to just watch you work.’
The four-time NBA champion responded positively, saying:
He hit me back, and he was like, ‘Yeah, when I get back to Dallas, we can definitely get some shots up,
Johnson explained, adding,
So I’ve kind of been reaching out.
During this conversation, Shannon Sharpe playfully pointed out Thompson’s busy schedule, likely alluding to his new relationship with Megan Thee Stallion. Sharpe’s teasing drew laughter from both Johnson and Thompson:
Yeah, you know he kinda busy now,
Sharpe quipped.
Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion recently confirmed their relationship publicly, which Sharpe playfully referenced as a reason Thompson might have less free time. Nevertheless, Johnson remains hopeful to train with one of the NBA’s sharpest shooters as she looks to improve for LSU’s season.
Johnson’s Performance and Limited Role at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup
The USA Women’s National Team remained undefeated during the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, ultimately winning the championship with a 92–84 victory over Brazil in the final held in Santiago, Chile. Johnson, seen as a promising young player, experienced a fluctuating role throughout the tournament. After playing 19 minutes in the opening game, her playing time decreased significantly, as she totaled only six minutes in the semifinal and final matches combined.
Her most notable performance occurred in the quarterfinal, where she scored 22 points against the Dominican Republic. However, this momentum did not continue in the subsequent games, resulting in a reduced on-court presence. Over the entire event, Johnson averaged 4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and one assist per game, shooting 32.4 percent overall and 30 percent from three-point range.
Upcoming Opportunity Against Duke and Coach Kara Lawson
LSU fans will have a chance to see Johnson prove herself again on December 4, when LSU faces Duke in the ACC/SEC Challenge. This game carries added significance because Duke’s head coach Kara Lawson was responsible for leading Team USA at the AmeriCup, where Johnson’s role diminished unexpectedly. This upcoming matchup could provide Johnson with a platform to demonstrate her growth and make a statement heading into the new season.
Potential Impact of Training with NBA Stars on Johnson’s Growth
Training with elite NBA guards like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson could significantly influence Johnson’s development, especially in refining her shooting technique and footwork. As Johnson prepares to build on her international experience and collegiate career, access to such high-level mentorship may help elevate her game to new heights. Despite playful jabs about Thompson’s busy lifestyle, the prospect of joint training sessions remains promising for Johnson’s progress ahead of LSU’s competitive season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Klay Thompson’s religion?
A. Thompson and his siblings grew up following the Catholic faith. At 14, his family relocated to Ladera Ranch, California. He completed his education at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita in 2008.