The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly made a significant attempt to secure the services of Klay Thompson by offering him a lucrative contract. Despite their efforts, the Lakers were unable to land the four-time NBA champion, who ultimately chose to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
“I know the Lakers attempted to really overpay Klay Thompson pretty badly, it just didn’t work out,” Kamenetzky said.
According to multiple sources, the Lakers were willing to offer Thompson a four-year, $80 million deal. This offer was notably higher than what other teams were prepared to pay for the 34-year-old shooting guard, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game during the 2023-24 season. The Golden State Warriors, Thompson’s former team, had declined his proposal for a two-year, $40 million contract, making the Lakers’ offer even more substantial in comparison.
Despite the generous offer, Thompson opted to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal via sign-and-trade. Several factors influenced his decision. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Thompson was attracted to the Mavericks due to their recent success, having reached the NBA Finals last season, and the favorable state tax differences in Texas. Additionally, Thompson felt that the Mavericks provided a better opportunity for him to win his fifth championship.
The Lakers’ failure to secure Thompson is seen as a significant setback for the team, which has struggled to make impactful additions to their roster this offseason. The team was also reportedly interested in acquiring DeMar DeRozan, but this pursuit did not materialize either. The Lakers’ inability to land these key players raises questions about their strategy and future prospects.
While the Lakers’ bold attempt to overpay Klay Thompson demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team, it also highlights the challenges they face in attracting top talent.
