Klay Thompson Isn’t LeBron James, Lakers’ Missing Piece to Title Win Amid NBA Rumors

Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors, a team with which he won four NBA titles and established a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, is imminent.

LeBron James would love for Thompson to stay in California.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that James is hopeful the Lakers can get a deal done for the 34-year-old forward.

Thompson may not be the player he once was but he still has plenty to offer a contending team offensively and defensively. He scored 17.9 a game this season, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 steals.

Add to it his 43.2 percent shooting from the paint and 38.7 from beyond the arc and he is an asset to a young team looking for veteran leadership and improved shooting.

A team like the Orlando Magic, with whom Thompson has been linked multiple times since the Warriors were ousted from the playoffs.

The Lakers are a different beast entirely.

The organization is looking for a game-changing, third superstar to add to the tandem of James and Anthony Davis. It missed out on Dejounte Murray, formerly of Atlanta, as he was traded to New Orleans and has, per usual, been linked to every other major free agent poised to hit the market this offseason.

While there is no denying Thompson’s place in history and what he has to offer a prospective suitor this off-season, he is not the sort of third game-changer the most prominent organization in professional basketball is seeking to help bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to the City of Angels.

Thompson, at this point in his career, would make for a great complimentary teammate but the team would have to continue shopping for a legitimate No. 3 or risk making the same mistakes it has in years past, when they surrounding James and Davis with either aging veterans or role players, only to watch the season end short of championship expectations.

Still, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, by way of agent Rich Paul, reported that James is willing to take a significant pay cut so that the Lakers can improve the roster.

One of those players? Thompson.

The others are James Harden and Jonas Valančiūnas, both who would arguably improve the Lakers ahead in a significant way over Thompson at this point.