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'I Just Wanna Learn': Flau’jae Johnson Details Message from Klay Thompson, Meeting with Kyrie Irving
James Snook-Imagn Images

Flau’jae Johnson has already made her mark as a rising star in women’s college basketball and a recording artist. But as she prepares for her senior season at LSU, she’s focused on growth, and she’s not afraid to reach out to the best for advice, including Dallas Mavericks stars Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving.

Appearing on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, Johnson revealed that she contacted Thompson to express her admiration for his game and ask if she could observe his training routine.

“I text Klay Thompson because I’ve always been impressed with his balance and his footwork,” Johnson said. “I would really like to come and just watch you work. I was like I wanna watch you work. Klay Thompson hit me, and he was like, ‘When I get back to Dallas, we can definitely get some shots up.’ So I kind of have been reaching out.”

Klay Thompson’s Message to Flau’jae Johnson

Thompson’s response, amid a busy offseason that has included a headline-grabbing relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, resonated deeply with Johnson, who said it made her feel “seen” as she readies for a professional career. For her, learning from one of the NBA’s best shooters goes beyond admiration — it’s about preparation.

“It’s so cool, being respected by my peers,” she said. “I just wanna learn, especially in basketball; I just wanna learn; I just want to sit around, like, what’s your routine? And ask questions like that.”

Sharpe commended Johnson’s mindset, noting how different life becomes after college basketball, when structure gives way to self-discipline and personal accountability. In a league where success often hinges on how players manage their own time, Johnson’s pursuit of mentorship could prove crucial.

Flau’jae Johnson’s Surprise Encounter with Kyrie Irving

At the NBA Summer League. Johnson also met Klay’s Mavericks teammate Irving, who offered praise for both her music and her on-court talent.

“Oh, my gosh! I met Kyrie Irving yesterday, and it was so cool,” Johnson said. “He was like, ‘I really respect what you do. I love your raps. I love your basketball.’ And then, I was talking to one of his affiliates, and he was like, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna get you and [Kyrie] in the gym.’ I’m trying to act like I’m not tweaking out, but I’m like cool. I’m geeked.”

Johnson, who has helped lead LSU to multiple deep tournament runs, continues to build her brand and game simultaneously. But her willingness to ask questions and learn from NBA champions may be her most valuable trait yet.

Klay Thompson is Staying in the News

While Thompson has remained in the spotlight due to his relationship with Megan Thee Stallion — the two were seen together at the Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York — his offseason has also included moments of mentorship, including a recent message to Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel. He also drew attention for a recent video from a workout that showed him making 72 consecutive 3-pointers.

Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, has quietly continued to serve as a model for younger players who emulate his shooting form, off-ball movement, and defensive versatility.

For Flau’jae Johnson, that mentorship is no longer distant. It’s a text away. And as her senior season approaches, she’s making every connection count. As for the Mavericks, having veterans like Thompson and Irving who are so willing to share with the younger generation is a luxury when welcoming No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

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This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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