Report: LeBron James Hopes Klay Thompson Joins Lakers

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, LeBron James hopes the Los Angeles Lakers sign Klay Thompson. 

Thompson is expected to leave the Golden State Warriors in free agency. 

As we’ve been reporting for 24-plus hours: Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors looks increasingly imminent … with LeBron James hopeful, per league sources today, that the Lakers can mount a bid to challenge Dallas.

Friday’s story: https://t.co/DWazVDdDH0 https://t.co/EMl6EssNh0

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2024

LeBron and Thompson faced each other in four straight 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. 

Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 43.2% from the floor, 38.7% from 3 and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

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

The Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets are also interested in Thompson. 

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 averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Lakers in 2023-24 in 71 games while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from 3 and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games, while the Warriors missed the postseason. 

A 20-time All-Star, LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018. He helped the franchise win the 2020 championship at the Walt Disney World bubble. 

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.