Sports
NBA Rumors: Lakers' LeBron James 'Hopeful' for Klay Thompson Contract amid Mavs Links – Bleacher Report
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James wants his team to make a splash in free agency this offseason.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, James is “hopeful” the Lakers can make a bid for free agent Klay Thompson, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Dallas Mavericks, among other teams.
Thompson has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors, but the team is reportedly preparing for a future without him.
James and the Lakers are hoping to get another title while the window is still open, and adding a talented shooter like Thompson would certainly help them contend next season.
It’s no secret the Lakers need help in the three-point shooting department. Los Angeles shot 37.7 percent from deep as a team during the regular season, and that number dwindled to 29.9 percent in its first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
James is still playing at a high level despite his age and Anthony Davis is still very much in his prime as well, so the Lakers are likely just a piece away from winning another championship.
Los Angeles added a solid shooter through the draft, selecting Tennessee star Dalton Knecht. The prolific collegiate scorer shot 39.7 from deep in his final season with the Vols a year ago.
While the Lakers are counting on the rookie’s skills to translate to the NBA, it’s still a safe bet to add a shooter this offseason.
Thompson would be a great veteran presence to add to the roster, but his cost certainly could play a factor. The Lakers will have to strike a new deal with James this offseason, which might not give them enough leeway to offer Thompson a sizeable deal.
If Thompson is willing to accept a more affordable number, it could give him the chance to add another title to his resume.
