Lakers are interested in signing $190 million star.
They have a better chance of adding an impact player now that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is willing to take a price reduction.
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors is amenable to joining the Lakers, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Thompson is interested in the same things that you are. It appears that he is content to remain on the West Coast and in the Western Conference. Once more, with the Los Angeles team or with Dallas,” Buha stated on June 29 in his podcast “Buha’s Block.”
If James accepts a deal that is approximately $16 million less than the maximum three-year, $162 million contract he is authorized to sign, the Lakers may be able to use their $12.9 million full midlevel exception.
James chose not to exercise his $51.4 million player option, according to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. This decision allowed the Lakers to add a player with more effect.
“He is giving improving the roster first priority. Paul told ESPN, “He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster,” while McMenamin posted a tweet on X.
Following the conclusion of his $190 million, five-year contract with the Warriors at the end of the season, Thompson is reportedly looking for a three-year deal.
Warriors Give It To Klay Thompson Trade and Sign
After 13 seasons and four titles with the team, Thompson’s exit is imminent, and the Warriors are ready for it, according to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Warriors are open to negotiating a sign-and-trade deal with Thompson that benefits both sides equally.
On June 29, Wojnarowski stated on ESPN’s SportsCenter, “The Warriors want to help him in a sign-and-trade situation, perhaps to the teams who don’t have the cap space for him, to be able to get a bigger contract.”
“On Sunday, they will be attempting to assist Klay Thompson in doing that by talking on the phone.”
The Lakers will be able to sign and trade contracts below the first apron and access the entire midlevel exception if James accepts a less salary.
As Stephen Curry’s running partner for 13 seasons, the 34-year-old Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while leading the Warriors to four championships.
Thompson is drawn to the Lakers in part because it offers him the chance to emulate his father and win a championship in his hometown. Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, was a two-time champion with the Lakers in the late eighties.
LeBron James’ Time Limit
James is only giving the Lakers till next week to make a big addition. James will turn 40 the following season.
“James will seek the max if LA cannot find an impact player to sign for the full MLE that would be created by him taking a paycut,” McMenamin stated. “James has to exercise a certain amount of patience because Team USA camp starts in Las Vegas in one week and he needs to work out a deal before playing.”
James and Curry will head up Team USA’s August Olympic bid in Paris. Thompson, on the other hand, is practicing with the Bahamas national team—the country where his father was born. However, it is improbable that he will receive FIBA permission in time for this summer’s Olympic qualifier.
With Team USA, Klay Thompson has already won gold at the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup.
