Cam Thomas' hilarious comment after joining LeBron James as 2 youngest players to record consecutive 40-point games: "I'm a Kobe guy" 

Brooklyn Nets rising star Cam Thomas made a hilarious comment after joining an exclusive club featuring LeBron James. The sophomore guard dropped his second consecutive 40-point game in the Nets' 124-116 home loss against the LA Clippers.

Thomas, who scored 44 points, joined James as the two youngest players to achieve the milestone. After the game, the 21-year-old joked that he would have been happier if he had joined the late Kobe Bryant instead (via Erik Slater):

"That's great company that I've my name mentioned with that guy [LeBron], even though I'm a Kobe [Bryant] guy. So if you said Kobe, I'd have been a little more excited. No, I'm kidding!"

LeBron James is the youngest player to achieve the milestone, having done so aged 21 years and 92 days. Cam Thomas ranks right behind him, aged 21 years and 116 days.

The Nets guard has turned out to be one of the most underrated players on the team. He has shown flashes of his talent, especially when the Nets have missed their leaders.

They recently traded Kyrie Irving, while Kevin Durant is on the sidelines recovering from an MCL injury, giving Thomas the ideal opportunity to display his skills as a No. 1 option.

Cam Thomas on a scoring tear for the Nets

Cam Thomas is peaking at the right time for the Brooklyn Nets. The sophomore guard has averaged 22.3 points per game across his last four appearances, shooting a 58/57/87 split.

With the Nets currently experiencing problems following Kyrie Irving's departure and Kevin Durant's injury, they need their role players to do well during this transition period.

Durant could return soon if he continues to make progress in his recovery. The Nets should get their latest report on Durant on Tuesday (Feb 7).

The Brooklyn Nets have plenty of depth, and if Cam Thomas continues to perform like this, their hopes of contending remain intact. Brooklyn needs more than just KD, and if the help is coming from within the roster, it gives them a significant advantage in the post-Kyrie era.