Early last week, Roger Federer met up with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, who were in Shanghai to play an exhibition game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A few days later, Anthony Slater of The Atlantic relayed a comment from Warriors coach Steve Kerr about an amusing challenge from Klay Thompson.

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Thompson is the star 6’7” shooting guard for the Warriors. When Federer got wind of the comments, he fired back a good-natured reply.

But Thompson didn’t back down. After all, he’s got an athletic background. His father Mychal, an NBA champion for the Los Angeles Lakers, was a strong recreational tennis player.

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Fans of the two players and sports immediately took sides. Some of them backed Thompson:

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However, most responders felt that Federer should have the obvious edge:

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Others reminded the Swiss great to keep his focus and get his rest for a weekend of Juan Martin Del Potro and Rafael Nadal:

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It could be a great opportunity for charity if the two lace them up, especially if Thompson brings his colorful socks.

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Failing that, maybe rising NBA star Joel Embiid could get in on the challenge.