From the Mavs to the Lakers: could Klay Thompson’s future hinge on a buyout?
With Dallas reshaping its identity and Los Angeles calling, Klay Thompson’s future could once again become intertwined with the Lakers
Klay Thompson and the future: a story that smells of California, missed choices, and one last NBA ride to be lived to the fullest. In Dallas, the winds appear to be shifting quickly. The Mavericks are entering a new phase – younger, more forward-looking – and for Klay, the outlook has suddenly become uncertain again.
According to the latest buzz out of Los Angeles, if a buyout were to materialize, Thompson’s first call would be to the Lakers. It’s not just about basketball, but about roots. Klay – who has said he’s currently satisfied with the role coach Jason Kidd has given him – grew up with purple and gold in his eyes, watching the exploits of his father Mychal, a two-time NBA champion with the Lakers (1987, 1988).
The paradox is that the opportunity had already been there. In 2024, the Lakers reportedly put $80 million on the table, but Klay chose Dallas instead – a decision that left a bitter taste for more than a few people, especially within the family. Today, though, time is putting everything back into question.
In Los Angeles, the need is clear: shooting, experience, and depth on the perimeter. Even at 35, Thompson remains one of the league’s best pure shooters (37% from the field, three made threes on 7.6 attempts per game). He may no longer be the Klay of 37 points in a quarter, but he can still swing games.
Next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic – his former teammate in Dallas – he would be a perfect fit for one last push. It’s not a long-term project, but a romantic gamble.