The Dallas Mavericks may be considering trading Klay Thompson, and the Lakers could be a potential suitor. For a team that’s built around shooting, chemistry, and championship DNA, a potential partnership with the sharpshooter would definitely check some boxes. Bringing in a name like Thompson would make headlines, but whether it actually helps them win is a very different story.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Mavericks’ disappointing season has left them open to making changes to their roster. Dallas knows Klay isn’t living up to expectations. His shot hasn’t traveled to Texas, and his $50 million deal already looks like a regret.
“It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline.”
The Mavs moving on feels inevitable — the only question is who takes him next.
The Proposed Trade
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber
Dallas gets a much-needed ball-handling lead guard and an expiring contract. The Lakers get a veteran shooter with four championship rings and the respect of both Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
A Dream Scenario for Klay
For Klay, a move to Los Angeles would mean more than just a change of scenery. His father, Mychal Thompson — a beloved member of the Showtime Lakers — has wanted this for years. It’s the perfect Hollywood storyline. He also reunites with Luka Doncic— the very reason he chose Dallas in the first place. The problem is that Klay’s not the same player anymore. The jumper still looks pretty, but the consistency is gone. The defense, once elite, has also faded. The Lakers wouldn’t be getting a splash brother; they’d be getting a washed brother.
Why It’s Unlikely
From Dallas’s perspective, this move makes sense. They dump a declining contract and add two players who can actually contribute to winning basketball right now. Gabe Vincent provides them with more ball-handling and composure. Maxi Kleber offers them a versatile big man while also being an expiring contract. Still, trading with the Lakers would come with its share of baggage. After the Luka trade that still haunts their fanbase, dealing another big name to L.A. could cause even more backlash. Even if it’s the smart move, it might not feel like one.
The Reality for L.A.
Adding Klay fits that culture on paper: a proven vet, a respected teammate, and a guy with championship experience. They wouldn’t be giving up too much with Kleber not in the current rotation and the Lakers flourishing without Vincent. But on the court, it doesn’t move the needle much. Thompson is more reputation than reality at this point, and unless his shot suddenly returns to form, the Lakers might just be adding another name to a long list of “what if” veterans.
Klay Thompson to the Lakers would be poetic. It would make headlines, sell jerseys, and make his dad smile. But it wouldn’t necessarily make them better.
