The legendary shooter decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons in exchange for $50 million, turning down the Lakers’ offer.
Klay Thompson had everything ready to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers and join LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the 34-year-old veteran decided to join Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving‘s project with the Dallas Mavericks.
The sharpshooter signed a three-year, $50 million contract that includes a player option, rejecting a $20 million per year offer from the Lakers. Reports indicate that LeBron James himself called to convince Thompson to join the LA team.
According to sources, Thompson wanted a “fresh start” and felt that playing for the Lakers would be too similar to playing for the Warriors. Since both teams are based in California, he sought a change in his routine after 11 years in the NBA.
Why Thompson choose Dallas
“James had several conversations with Thompson about the idea of playing together. But for him, playing with the Lakers felt too similar to playing with the Warriors, and he wanted a significant change in his career,” said analyst Ramona Shelburne.
Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 43.2% shooting from the field, 38.7% from three-point range, and 92.7% from the free-throw line in the 2023-24 season. The Golden State Warriors didn’t offer him what he wanted for a renewal, so he chose to wear a different uniform for the first time in his career in the NBA.
His father publicly stated that he was unhappy with his son’s decision. Mychal Thompson played for the Lakers and wanted to see his son in that uniform, but it didn’t happen.
