Missing out on Klay Thompson proving to be a blessing in disguise for Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the past six seasons searching for ways to supplement the generational talent of their franchise players. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have thrived when complemented properly, but the search for the ideal supporting cast has been polarizing.

One of the players whom James was hoping the Lakers would bring in during the 2024 period of free agency was sharpshooter Klay Thompson—a dream that failed to materialize.

Thompson is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters and supporting players in NBA history. He won four titles alongside Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, is the epitome of lights out from beyond the arc, and has become the poster child for the 3-and-D wing.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, James would've taken a pay cut to help the Lakers sign Thompson during the 2024 offseason.

"Thompson was one of those shooters L.A. pined for, and James would have taken a pay cut to sign as a free agent this summer, sources told ESPN."

It's easy to be intrigued by the news that Davis and James could've had Thompson playing alongside them, but the Lakers not signing the four-time NBA champion was a blessing in disguise.

Dalton Knecht proof Lakers benefited from not signing Klay Thompson

The fit would've been obvious in Los Angeles. In addition to the fact Thompson's father, Mychal Thompson, is a former Laker, the sharpshooter would've helped provide tremendous spacing and a championship perspective to a team hoping to win a second title since 2020.

Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to sign Thompson in free agency, as he instead joined Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal.

For as disappointing as that was to some, the emergence of Dalton Knecht has proved the Lakers right for remaining patient in free agency. Knecht has become one of the leading players in the race for Rookie of the Year, shooting the lights out and erupting for massive scoring performances.

Knecht has scored at least 20 points in four of the Lakers' past seven games, and is averaging 18.0 points on .495/.456/.778 shooting as a starter.

It's possible that Knecht would've found a way to break out regardless of Thompson's presence. The unavoidable possibility also exists, however, that he would've been subjugated to the bench as Thompson and his escalating salary took precedence in the rotation.

Even if they'd shared the court, finding shots for Thompson would likely have become the priority—an understandable, but less than advantageous truth given the Lakers' long-term outlook.

Knecht, 23, is now thriving in a role that has immediately outlined the profound nature of his upside. Thompson, 34, has all of the tools to do the same in Dallas, but the difference is that one player will be 27 when their contract expires and the other will be 37—as well as the fact that the Lakers are paying Knecht roughly $12 million less per season than Thompson is making.

That shouldn't necessarily deter the Lakers from adding quality talent, but missing out on Thompson is one of the primary reasons the door opened for Knecht to thrive in the way he already has.

It's certainly possible that the playoffs will roll around and Game 6 Klay will remind the Lakers of what they could've had. As the Lakers prioritize sustainable excellence, however, their investment in Knecht could prove significantly more rewarding in the long term.

It's never easy to miss out on a big name, but the silver lining is already appearing as Knecht emerges as one of the most promising young players in the NBA.