Report: LeBron James, Klay Thompson Had ‘Several Deep Conversations’ About Playing Together

According to NBA reporters Kendra Andrews and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, LeBron James and Klay Thompson had “several deep conversations” about playing together on the Los Angeles Lakers. 

However, Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks instead of the Lakers. 

“That left the Lakers,” Shelburne and Andrews wrote. “His father’s team. His idol’s team. LeBron’s team. The team ultimately was willing to offer Thompson more years and more money than he accepted from Dallas. Sources said James was willing to take less and the Lakers were trying to make trades that would’ve cleared four years and nearly $80 million for Thompson. James had several deep conversations with Thompson about the idea of playing together, sources said.

“But something about playing for the Lakers apparently felt too much like playing for the Warriors. As one source close to him put it, ‘Would this be trading one fishbowl for another?’ All Thompson had talked about in the two weeks since he had decided and accepted that his time with the Warriors was over was wanting ‘new experiences’ and a ‘fresh start.’ Dallas seemed like a better place to get that.”

Thompson didn’t join the Lakers because it felt too much like playing for the Golden State Warriors. The four-time NBA champion was looking for a fresh start and he’s getting that with the Mavericks. 

Dallas now has a “Big 3” of Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Irving and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd heavily recruited Thompson. 

One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, 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.

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. Thompson made five All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams and one All-Defensive team with the Warriors.

The Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals in five games.