Klay Thompson Rumors: Lakers See Mavs as 'Team to Beat' for ...

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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly view the Dallas Mavericks as the largest threat to sign Klay Thompson in free agency.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some members of the Lakers organization regard the Mavericks as the "team to beat" in order to acquire the Golden State Warriors guard. Stein also noted that there is "strong mutual interest" between Thompson and Dallas, with the team willing to give him a "competitive" three-year contract offer.

This would likely interest the 34-year-old, as he's reportedly searching for an offer that lasts "at least three years" in free agency (via NBC Sports' Monte Poole). The opportunity for an established tertiary role with Dallas could also sway the five-time All-Star.

Per Stein, the Mavericks are prepared to make Thompson their "priority" in the offseason and will offer him a "prominent role in their offense" next to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. It's one of the many reasons why Dallas joins Los Angeles as the two teams "at the forefront of Thompson's thinking" prior to his free agency.

A return to Golden State is looking less likely, as TNT Sports' Chris Haynes said on Sunday that Thompson may be willing to walk away from an offer from the team in the "low $20 million" range annually.

After coming off the bench 14 times during the 2023-24 season, the Warriors guard may want a concrete role next season. Although he'll also likely serve as the No. 3 option for the Lakers if he's signed, Thompson could be more attracted to a Mavericks team that's coming off a trip to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Golden State is also willing to utilize a sign-and-trade deal to help him land with his next team (via Stein).

Thompson is coming off a year in which he averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from behind the arc.