Klay Thompson Open to Continuing Career with Lakers

Discussions over Klay Thompson's future continue this summer, and it has emerged that the veteran guard has his sights set on the Los Angeles Lakers. According to The Athletic, with the Mavericks reportedly planning a rebuild following Anthony Davis' departure, Thompson would prefer to continue his career with the Lakers should a buyout or release scenario materialize. For Thompson, who was born in Los Angeles and whose father Mychal won two championships with the Lakers, such a move would carry the weight of a homecoming.

A source close to the situation said: "If Klay got bought out, I have it on good authority that the first call his agent would make would be to the Lakers. Because he would love to finish his career here." During his 2024 free agency, LeBron James reportedly reached out to Thompson personally and was even willing to take a significant pay cut to bring him to Los Angeles, though Thompson ultimately chose the Mavericks to play alongside Luka Doncic at the time. With Doncic having since been shockingly traded to the Lakers, Thompson may now see Los Angeles as a way to fulfil the project he originally set out to join.

Thompson, 36, posted some of the lowest numbers of his career last season, averaging 11.7 points across 69 games, but his three-point shooting is still viewed as capable of addressing the Lakers' offensive needs. With the club ranking 23rd in the league in three-point percentage and 24th in threes made last season, the need for a sharpshooter like Thompson has only become more apparent.

Source: The Athletic
Image: Eurohoops