Mavericks' Klay Thompson linked to Lakers for three-point shooting reason

Klay Thompson's tenure with the Dallas Mavericks may be cut short soon. 

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks may explore trades for the four-time NBA champion and three-point specialist. 

Thompson concluded a legendary 11-year run with the Golden State Warriors in 2024, opting to take less guaranteed money from the Mavericks despite a higher contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The 35-year-old wants to play for a contender, per Slater and MacMahon, and the Mavericks are trending in the wrong direction this season. 

"The circumstances have changed since I signed here -- I mean, obviously the personnel," Thompson told the ESPN duo. "But we still have a very talented team, and at the end of the day, I'm playing to win and nothing's changed. My goals remain the same."

The Lakers could be a fit for Thompson 

The Mavericks owe Thompson $17 million next season, a lot of money to give someone averaging just 10.8 points per game on a career low 35% from beyond the arc. 

Regardless, Bleacher Report's Mike Chiari thinks the Lakers could use another three-point threat, alongside Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. 

"The Lakers are only 23rd in three-point field goals made per game, however, and Thompson could provide a boost in that area," Chiari wrote. 

At 19-7, the Lakers are third in the Western Conference and primed to make a deep playoff run. Perhaps a change of scenery to a contender would do Thompson some good as he nears the end of a Hall of Fame career. 

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