1. You weaken Golden State if you’re able to sign away Klay.
Perhaps the biggest reason the Lakers should go after Klay Thompson this offseason is simple: you weaken the Warriors in doing so. Klay is an essential part of the Warrior’s success and by removing him from the equation, you make Golden State considerably weaker; it’s simple math really.
Sure, the Warriors would still have Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, but it’s Klay’s ability as a shooter, cutter, and defender that elevates that team to a truly elite level.
Klay guards the opposing team’s best wing, and he’s a low-usage, high-efficiency shooter who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. Both of these aspects allow Curry and Durant to run the show, with Klay as a release valve should they be unable to create.
If there’s any chance of limiting the Warriors ability to be a dominant team both offensively and defensively, signing one of their most important pieces in Klay Thompson is well worth the price tag.