Lakers Target Klay
Los Angeles Lakers Show Interest in Klay Thompson Amid Uncertain Dallas Mavericks Future
The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Klay Thompson, according to Sporting News. But Los Angeles shouldn't expect a deal anytime soon. The Mavericks have not yet decided what to do with Thompson, leaving the Lakers in a waiting game.
Thompson is no longer the elite shooter he once was with the Golden State Warriors. Still, the Lakers see him as a piece worth pursuing. The most likely path to getting him runs through a buyout — but that is far from guaranteed.
Mavericks Have Too Many Contracts on the Books
Dallas currently has 16 standard contracts on its roster, Sporting News reports. That is one more than the NBA's maximum of 15. The league requires teams to trim down to the limit, which means at least one player must go. Thompson is one of the names on the bubble.
The Mavericks have not tipped their hand on how they plan to fix the roster crunch. They could trade Thompson, release him through a buyout, or make another move entirely. Until Dallas decides, Thompson's future stays unclear.
Lakers Waiting on a Thompson Buyout to Happen
The best-case scenario for the Lakers is a buyout. That would make Thompson a free agent and let Los Angeles sign him without giving up any players or draft picks. Yahoo Sports notes the Lakers have been monitoring the situation closely.
A buyout happens when a team and player agree to end a contract early. The player gives back some of his remaining money. In return, he gets to sign with a team of his choice. The Lakers hope they are that team — but they have no control over whether Dallas pulls the trigger.
Thompson Still Has Value Despite Declining Play
Thompson is not the five-time All-Star he was in his prime. His shooting numbers have dipped in recent years. But he can still stretch a defense and knock down open threes — skills the Lakers badly need around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Sporting News points out that Thompson showed some promise playing alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas. That suggests he still fits alongside star players. For a Lakers team hunting for shooting depth, even a reduced version of Thompson is an attractive option.
No Guarantee Los Angeles Lands Its Target
Lakers fans should temper expectations. Dallas has multiple ways to handle its roster problem, and a Thompson buyout is just one of them. Another team could also swoop in with a trade offer that Dallas prefers over a buyout.
The Lakers have made their interest known. Now they wait. Until the Mavericks make a decision, Thompson's situation is stuck in limbo — and Los Angeles has little power to speed things up.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
3
Articles
3
Reach
4
