Lakers pursuit of Mavericks’ Klay Thompson gets discouraging update

The Los Angeles Lakers have already reshaped their roster this offseason, but their search for wing depth is not finished.

One name that keeps resurfacing in trade talks belongs to a player the Lakers nearly signed two years ago.

Lakers get a fresh update on potential Klay Thompson trade

The Lakers spent much of the summer chasing free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but a sign-and-trade remains the only realistic path to landing him.

Earlier this offseason, the Lakers were mentioned as a possible destination for Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.

Tomer Azarly discussed the Lakers’ interest in Thompson on the Clutch Scoops podcast. The Miami Heat have also been floated as a landing spot if Thompson becomes available.

“We’ve heard teams like the Lakers at times, they’re probably out of it now,” Azarly said.

According to the insider, the interest has likely cooled off. Thompson signed with Dallas as a free agent in 2024, reportedly choosing the Mavericks over the Lakers for a better chance to compete alongside Luka Doncic.

Mavericks show no real interest in a Thompson buyout

Dallas would rather trade Thompson than release him outright, a dynamic that keeps the Lakers’ broader wing search connected to both Kuminga and Thompson at once.

Thompson himself has said basketball remains his place of peace at this stage of his career, regardless of which uniform he ends up wearing.

“The Mavericks have been keen on wanting to keep Klay Thompson for a trade,” NBA insider Fischer reported last week. “Dallas does not want to buy out Thompson and see him walk for nothing.”

Thompson averaged roughly 12 points per game last season, reflecting a reduced but still respectable role in Dallas.

The Mavericks have not revealed an asking price for Thompson, and any trade is expected to bring back a modest return. Whether the Lakers re-enter the mix likely depends on how the Kuminga pursuit resolves first.

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