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Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors, a workforce with which he received 4 NBA titles and established a Corridor of Fame-worthy resume, is imminent.
LeBron James would love for Thompson to remain in California.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that James is hopeful the Lakers can get a deal performed for the 34-year-old ahead.
Thompson might not be the participant he as soon as was however he nonetheless has lots to supply a contending workforce offensively and defensively. He scored 17.9 a recreation this season, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 steals.
Add to it his 43.2 % capturing from the paint and 38.7 from past the arc and he’s an asset to a younger workforce on the lookout for veteran management and improved capturing.
A workforce just like the Orlando Magic, with whom Thompson has been linked a number of occasions for the reason that Warriors had been ousted from the playoffs.
The Lakers are a unique beast fully.
The group is on the lookout for a game-changing, third celebrity so as to add to the tandem of James and Anthony Davis. It missed out on Dejounte Murray, previously of Atlanta, as he was traded to New Orleans and has, per normal, been linked to each different main free agent poised to hit the market this offseason.
Whereas there is no such thing as a denying Thompson’s place in historical past and what he has to supply a potential suitor this low season, he isn’t the kind of third game-changer essentially the most distinguished group in skilled basketball is looking for to assist deliver the Larry O’Brien trophy again to the Metropolis of Angels.
Thompson, at this level in his profession, would make for an excellent complimentary teammate however the workforce must proceed purchasing for a professional No. 3 or danger making the identical errors it has in years previous, after they surrounding James and Davis with both getting old veterans or position gamers, solely to observe the season finish in need of championship expectations.
Nonetheless, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, by means of agent Wealthy Paul, reported that James is prepared to take a major pay lower in order that the Lakers can enhance the roster.
A kind of gamers? Thompson.
The others are James Harden and Jonas Valančiūnas, each who would arguably enhance the Lakers forward in a major approach over Thompson at this level.