3. Tristan Thompson
LeBron tweeted that he had drinks with Tristan Thompson and the speculation around Thompson potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers instantly followed. Thompson is a Klutch client, and we all know how that has turned out on the Lakers.
Just had a drink with my brother 4ever @RealTristan13!! Missed my G! Love bro!! 🙏🏾❤️👑.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 30, 2020
On paper, it is easy to make the case for Thompson to become a Laker. He has familiarity in playing with LeBron James and the Lakers could be in the market for a big man if Dwight Howard does not re-sign and the team cannot snag DeMarcus Cousins.
However, I think it is fairly likely that the Lakers get one of the two players and I would much rather have JaVale McGee in a bench role than Tristan Thompson. We got into the deeper stats in another article but Thompson is no longer that great of a basketball player.
McGee, Howard and Cousins are all much better options than Thompson and Thompson is not going to cost the minimum as those other guys would. If he does agree to take a veteran minimum deal and there are no other options then sure, the Lakers should make best with what they have.
But, at only 29 years old, Thompson is going to look for that next contract that can at least get him paid somewhat, even if it is only for a season or two.
Tristan Thompson and LeBron James had their time to team-up together and win a championship. Let’s keep those days in the past.