West Notes: Warriors, Klay Thompson, Clippers, Kings

Warriors

Shooting guard Klay Thompson will begin playing in back-to-backs for the final stretch run of the regular season, coach Steve Kerr said, via Madeline Kenney of Bay Area News Group.

At least, that’s the plan. Thompson has not appeared in both ends of a back-to-back set since returning from knee and Achilles injuries in early 2022.

• The Warriors also released some promising news on star guard Steph Curry, saying he is “good progress” in his recovery from a left leg injury. Curry will be re-evaluated in a week, the team added.
• Guard Gary Payton II said he is hopeful to return from a core muscle injury before the playoffs, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Payton was reacquired by the Warriors ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Clippers

• The Clippers officially announced the signing of guard Russell Westbrook, via president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. “Russell is one of the most explosive and competitive players in the NBA,” Frank said. 
• The Clippers have signed shooting guard Keaton Wallace to a two-way contract, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Wallace is averaging 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists with the Ontario Clippers of the G League.

Kings

Coach Mike Brown said now will be a true test for the Kings, who sit in third place in the Western Conference — but are just three games ahead of the Timberwolves for the eighth seed.

“I’ve told our guys this all along. The real season doesn’t start until after All-Star break,” Brown said, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “The teams that know they don’t have a chance mail it in and the teams that do have a chance turn it up a notch. Or two. For us, sitting in this spot post All-Star break means we have a target on our back.

“We are the hunted right now. I’m not sure where we sit as a team because this is the first time we’ve gone through this — being the hunted.”