The Los Angeles Lakers should want the Dallas Mavericks to buy out Klay Thompson this offseason because he chose to join forces with Luka Doncic in 2024 after leaving the Warriors. LA was rumored to be interested back then. Klay is one of the best shooters of all time, and fans saw how much success Luke Kennard had after the Lakers acquired him at the deadline. Instead of overpaying Kennard, Los Angeles might be able to get Klay on a discount, as Dallas pays most of his salary.
The Lakers just had success signing Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton off the buyout market. They were paying well below market value for two starting caliber players. Austin Reaves is in line for a massive raise, which makes finding underpaid pieces even more important. Klay may be one of the best players available after a disastrous season in Dallas.
The Mavs want to get younger and build around Cooper Flagg. Thompson is on a $17.4 million expiring contract. Buying him out lets Dallas free up that roster spot and save some money. No team will be eager to trade for the 36-year-old, but the Lakers would love to sign him at or near the minimum to splash in jumpers.
Lakers should be rooting for a Klay Thompson buyout because of Luka Doncic
Los Angeles must put more talent around number 77. They are rumored to be trying to build a roster similar to the 2024 Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals. That squad didn’t have Klay Thompson, but it was filled with shooting and defense. Dallas also had two rim-protecting lob threats at the five.
Luke Kennard’s future with the Lakers is uncertain. Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes are all expected to be unrestricted free agents. Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton have player options to decide on. LA can’t bring everyone back if they want room to upgrade. Kennard will demand significant dollars, and the Lakers would love to replace him with a cheaper option.
Klay shot a career-worst 38.3 percent from 3-point range this season, but the Mavericks' point guard issues were well-documented. Having someone like Luka to set the table could quickly push him back over 40 percent from long range. Teams can’t leave Thompson open, and for fans worried about his declining defense, Dallas was 5.7 points per 100 possessions better defensively with Klay on the floor.
The Lakers can’t trade for his $17.4 million contract, but they’d love to sign him after a buyout. Dallas doesn’t plan on contending. They just hired Masai Ujiri to run their front office and are still searching for a head coach. It will be a slow build for the Mavericks after the foolish Luka Doncic trade. They have zero reason to keep Klay, and fans know he joined Doncic before.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be rooting for the Mavericks to buy out Klay Thompson. It is the easiest path for the franchise to add a sharpshooter on a bargain contract. Every team wants a floor spacer, but Klay would still be getting paid. Just most of his salary would be coming from Dallas, not LA. It is another shot for Lakers to pick up another massive win over the Mavs. All fans can do is hope that Dallas decides to move on.
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