Damion Lee knows exactly what Klay Thompson is going through.
Lee, who tore his right ACL in 2013 and his left ACL in 2016, has been impressed with how his Warriors teammate is handling his own ACL rehab. And it appears Klay has a new appreciation for what Lee has experienced as well.
"[Klay and I have] had several conversations before about rehab in regards to the ACL," Lee said this week on the "Runnin' Plays" podcast with Kerith Burke and Grant Liffmann. "He'd always joke, 'Damn, D-Lee. I don't know how you did this twice because this is a lot.'
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
"It's cool to see what he's been through and now wanting to come back and go all out."
[RUNNIN' PLAYS PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
Thompson, of course, tore his left ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors and missed the entire 2019-20 season.
What kind of 2020-21 season does Lee expect from Klay when the three-time NBA champion finally returns to game action?
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
"I feel like he wants to show people that he is the best two-way guard in the league," Lee said. "He's done it before. He's in a pretty good mind space. I think he's just ready to go out there and play."
[RELATED: Klay tells fans in China his mind, body are '100 percent']
Klay wasn't around the team a lot last season. But when he was at Chase Center, he made his presence felt.
"There were a lot of times where he'd just pull younger guys aside and give guys little tidbits," Lee explained. "It's unique to see. Everyone is so used to seeing Klay being quiet or reserved. Hearing him actually speak up and talk and give some input is huge.
"That's a huge step -- not only for him but the team and a lot of the younger guys seeing him as a big brother and as an influence."