When news that Klay Thompson potentially being available came out this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were naturally reported as a potential fit given his family’s history with the organization.
However, the four-time champion decided to sign with the Miami Heat instead, where he gets a chance to start and contend alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is now two times that Thompson opted not to return home and plays for the Lakers.
The first time was in the summer of 2024 when he was a free agent and signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Two years later, some details have emerged regarding why he made that choice, via Christian Clark of The Athletic:
Back in the summer of 2024, Thompson’s representatives had discussions with the Lakers about him winding up there. It would have made sense on several levels. Thompson has deep ties to Los Angeles. He spent much of his childhood in the city and still owns a home there.
But one of the reasons Thompson chose the Mavericks over the Lakers was that he had concerns about Davis’ availability, a source with knowledge of his thinking said.
Ironically, the sharpshooter ultimately got to play with Anthony Davis in Dallas after being traded for Luka Doncic. And the former Lakers center did indeed deal with numerous injuries in his short tenure with the Mavericks, so Thompson’s fears were warranted.
It made sense for a veteran to want to play alongside Doncic give the generational talent that he is, especially since Thompson is a spot-up shooting.
But, seeing how Doncic ultimately got traded to the Lakers, Thompson could have eventually gotten his wish in L.A. It is interesting that he could have reunited with Doncic this offseason after being bought out by the Mavericks but chose Miami instead.
Perhaps a lack of a clear role in L.A. was the reason for that given the Lakers’ depth at the guard position. As Thompson nears the end of his career though, the odds of him eventually suiting up in purple and gold continue to decrease.
Klay Thompson includes Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James & Kobe Bryant in all-time starting five
Despite Thompson opting to take his talents to South Beach, he knows how manu all-time greats have suited up for the Lakers. When asked about who his all-time starting five is, he included three former players that wore the purple of gold, those being LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, who all brought titles to Los Angeles.
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