All season long, the free agency discussion surrounding the Golden State Warriors has firmly been about what Kevin Durant may do this summer. We all know the theory that most are running with right now: Durant is likely going to head to New York and team up with Kyrie Irving on the Knicks.
However, Durant isn’t the only guy who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Klay Thompson is due for a big pay raise, and if all goes according to plan, Thompson is going to remain with the Warriors on a max contract.
However, there are many who believe that the Lakers could be in the running for Thompson’s services if the Warriors don’t offer him the full max. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne doesn’t think there’s a chance the Lakers land Thompson.
On Brian Windhortst’s podcast, Shelburne and Ohm Youngmisuk were discussing potential free agents the Lakers could target over the summer and Shelburne dropped this bomb.
“Guys, I don’t think Klay even gives the Lakers a meeting. If [the Warriors] don’t give him the full max, I think he goes someplace else. I really don’t think Klay gives the Lakers a meeting.”
Of course, this is Shelburne’s opinion as she didn’t say that she’s getting this from anyone, but she is as plugged into the Lakers and the NBA at large as anyone currently at ESPN.
Thompson has ties back to the Lakers through his father Mychal, who played during the Showtime era in the 80s. Other than that, there really is no reason for Thompson to consider a Lakers team that is no in its sixth consecutive season in the lottery.
It’s hard to imagine the Warriors not giving Thompson the max unless he’s willing to take a hometown discount. But with this likely being his last big contract, that seems unlikely.
