The new-look Los Angeles Lakers led by ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James are currently cruising, as they’ve won seven consecutive contests, compiled a 39-21 record and captured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
After the league-altering trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, he has turned the team into a genuine title contender this season, though the franchise’s general manager Rob Pelinka could already have his eyes set on this summer with the idea of scouring the offseason trade market.
In fact, it’s plausible that Pelinka could reconnect with Dallas’ general manager Nico Harrison this offseason to correct their current No. 18 ranked 35.5% team three-point percentage by negotiating a trade for the Mavericks’ four-time NBA champion and former Golden State Warriors legend, Klay Thompson.
The possibility of Thompson making his way to the Lakers is more likely than some may realize, as the 35-year-old sharpshooter’s final two options were Los Angeles and Dallas as an unrestricted free agent last summer.
After choosing to join the Mavericks, even his own father Mychal Thompson who played for the Lakers from 1987-1991 was upset with Klay’s decision.
Thompson’s ties to Los Angeles are evident, and the current play-style of the team with both Dončić and James running the offense could be the perfect destination for one of the NBA’s greatest shooters to have a resurgent season in 2025-26.
In a negotiation for Thompson, Pelinka may be able to get a deal across the finish line by simply offering their rookie forward Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent’s $11 million salary and first-round draft capital.
In season No. 12, Thompson has contributed 14.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 40.2% from distance on 7.8 attempts, still proving to be a lethal three-point specialist for Dallas. During his first 11 full seasons in the NBA as a member of the Warriors, Thompson broke numerous records, including the most points scored in a single quarter (37) and the single-game record for made three-pointers (14).
As a prospective member of the Lakers with a deep connection to the storied franchise, Thompson could very well be a wonderful match for the team’s generational passing duo and a valuable connective piece that could help lead the team to a deep postseason run in 2025-26.
