Report: Klay Thompson Deciding Between Mavericks, Lakers

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, it appears Klay Thompson will play for the Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers next season. 

Thompson is an unrestricted free agent. He will not return to the Golden State Warriors. 

“The word has definitely been that he [Klay Thompson] is deciding between Dallas and the Lakers… so if winning ultimately rules the day it’s going to be Dallas.”@JakeLFischer breaks downs NBA free agency and where Klay Thompson may end up after leaving the Warriors.

WATCH:… pic.twitter.com/e2zeY4Ampb

— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) July 1, 2024

Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Warriors while shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

Golden State missed the playoffs after losing the 9-10 play-in game to the Sacramento Kings. 

The Warriors drafted Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Washington State. Thompson made five All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams and one All-Defensive team with the Warriors. He helped the franchise win four championships.

Thompson has career averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks. He turns 35 next season.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, LeBron James is recruiting Thompson to the Lakers. LeBron and Thompson faced each other in four consecutive NBA Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 during LeBron’s second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Thompson was also in LeBron’s Space Jam movie. 

The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals in five games. 

LeBron, 39, has declined his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. He will re-sign with LA and is open to taking a discount if the franchise can get an impact player. 

LeBron is a four-time MVP, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time champion. He’s arguably the best player in NBA history. 

Meanwhile, Thompson is one of the greatest shooters ever. 

The Mavericks are led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thompson and Irving are both with Anta Sports.