Giants pitcher and Kings fan Logan Webb shares his thoughts on series with Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO — Pitcher Logan Webb was torn earlier this week as he stood at his locker in the Giants clubhouse.

He knew what he wanted to say, but he was slightly hesitant.

As a Rocklin native, Webb is a long-time Kings fan and thrilled for his hometown team to finally put an end to what was the longest active postseason drought of any U.S. major professional sports team. But knowing the challenge that lies ahead — a first-round series against the defending champs — and the fact he plays just down the street from the Warriors made him reluctant to give his thoughts on the series.

“Warriors fans are going to hate me, though,” the newly extended right-hander said in a half-joking manner. “They’re all Giants fans, it’s a lose-lose for me.”

Still, Webb, who was 11 the last time Sacramento made the playoffs, made his allegiance clear.

“The Kings are where I’m from,” he said, “got to represent.”

With the NorCal matchup tipping off Saturday with Game 1 in Sacramento, a friendly rivalry is brewing in the Giants clubhouse.

While Webb is rooting for the Kings, shortstop and notable Warriors fan Brandon Crawford isn’t sure the 26-year-old is too confident about what might actually go down.

“I think he’s a little nervous,” Crawford said with a smile.

Crawford said the two haven’t chatted much about the best-of-seven series, but the trash talk will likely ramp up in the coming days. Crawford did recall Webb seemingly justifying the Kings’ loss to the Warriors in Sacramento last week because the home team was sitting some of their starters.

“I still have a pretty good feeling,” Crawford said. “I’m always optimistic about the Warriors in the playoffs. Even when people are counting them out, they surprise people.”

Webb already bet on the series with center fielder and Bay Area native Joc Pederson, who’s friends with Klay Thompson, and also didn’t rule out a possible wager with Crawford.

Asked what’s at stake beyond bragging rights, Webb said, “just a little bit of money.” It may be easier for Webb to do that, given he just signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Giants on Friday.

Regardless of what happens, Webb is anticipating a series to remember for both fanbases.

“[It’s been] 16 years since the Kings have been in the playoffs, so I’m just super excited to see them back in that because I do think Sacramento deserves to have that,” Webb said.

“It’s going to be a super exciting series… Not only is it just exciting for the fans but they’re also two very exciting teams. You got the greatest shooter of all-time, possibly the greatest group of all time trying to get their fifth one and then you got an up-and-coming team that’s just fun to watch. [The Kings] play hard. I know the energy is going to be great. I don’t really think there’s gonna be home-court advantage in either spots because it’s such a quick drive for both teams, and it’ll be fun.”