Lakers' offer to Klay Thompson revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on another top target on the open market. Point guard Klay Thompson decided to join the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team sign-and-trade deal rather than join Los Angeles.

The Lakers have been looking to sign Thompson since the start of free agency but will now have to turn their attention elsewhere. However, it appears the Lakers have offered Thompson more money and years than he signed for.

According to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, the Lakers offered Thompson a four-year contract worth $80 million. Thompson still turned down Los Angeles to join the Mavericks.

That’s the story. The Lakers thought they had Klay in line. I heard the offer was as high as $80 million over 4 years and Klay ALWAYS said he’d rather go to Dallas. But nope. Dunk off. Lol. https://t.co/iLUaKm0AAt

— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 1, 2024

The Lakers might have been able to avoid a bad patch by sending Thompson to Dallas if that offer had turned out to be true. Thompson is still a good player and could have thrived in the system head coach JJ Redick plans to put in place, but it’s a bit too much to pay for him at this point in his career.

NBA insider Chris Haynes also confirmed the report.

The Lakers offered Klay Thompson “$20 million per year” and offered D’Angelo Russell to the Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal.

The warriors declined, according to @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/HcfK0PxoM0

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2024

He doesn’t play the same type of defense he used to and he’s dealt with serious injuries in recent seasons. Los Angeles will now look elsewhere for an impact player as they try to improve their roster to become more competitive for next season.

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