NBA Rumors: Klay Thompson ‘Would Love to’ Join Lakers amid Warriors Contract Buzz

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson would “love” to join the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

“In a perfect world Klay would love to be in Los Angeles,” Smith said Monday on First Take. “We all know that. I’m talking about the Lakers. I mean, could you imagine? There’s no space, they can’t do it, but that’s where he’d love to be.”

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Thompson’s desire to “test free agency,” as the guard was unable to agree with the Warriors on a contract extension.

After missing two consecutive seasons from 2019 through 2021 due to torn ACL and torn Achilles injuries, the 34-year-old’s efficiency has dipped.

During his 2023-24 campaign, he averaged 17.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three. Although he shot over 40 percent from behind the arc in each of his first eight seasons, he’s failed to reach that mark in two of the past three years following his injuries.

However, he still holds value as a high-volume shooter by ranking No. 4 among all players in total three-pointers made last season (via NBA.com).

Per Charania, Thompson rejected a two-year extension worth $48 million from the Warriors during the 2023 offseason. If he’s seeking a deal that contains a similar value, he may not be a viable target for Los Angeles.

The Lakers have several important free agents of their own, including LeBron James. The four-time MVP currently has a $51.4 million player option for next season, although he could decline it and sign a long-term deal with the organization (per Spotrac).

Point guard D’Angelo Russell also has a player option worth $18.6 million, which could weaken the team’s cap flexibility if he chooses to accept it.

While Thompson may be interested in joining the Lakers, the Los Angeles native would likely need to take a pay cut in order to join the team in free agency.