The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to sign veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson in free agency, but he ultimately opted to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
The reasoning behind Thompson’s decision is understandable, as the former Golden State Warrior was reportedly looking for a fresh start, an environment that Los Angeles would not have provided for him, in his opinion.
“James had several in-depth conversations with Thompson about the idea of playing together, sources said.” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews wrote. “But playing for the Lakers apparently felt too much like playing for the Warriors. As one source close to him said: ‘Would this be like trading one fish tank for another?'”
Thompson is of course looking for a fifth championship, but it seems he has other priorities at this stage of his career. Location-wise, the Mavericks provide him with the fresh start he was supposedly looking for, as he will be moving from California to Texas.
The Warriors and Lakers attract a lot of attention as big-market organizations loaded with superstar talent, most notably Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Despite reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Mavericks tend to avoid the spotlight to some extent.
Not everyone in Thompson’s camp is thrilled with the decision, as his father, Mychal Thompson, wants him to join his former team, the Lakers.
