"Lakers are a soap opera constantly"- NBA analyst defends Klay Thompson's decision to snub LeBron James and Co.
While Klay Thompson could have joined LeBron James and the LA Lakers this summer, he instead opted to join Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The decision to leave the Golden State Warriors had seemingly been a long time coming, with Thompson and Draymond Green reportedly frustrated with the front office's decision to prioritize extending young players after their 2021 title.
In addition, his play last season was inconsistent, with Klay Thompson eventually coming off the bench so young standout Brandin Podziemski could start. While Thompson had stated during the regular season that he was willing to accept less money, and a lesser role, to stay with Golden State, things changed.
Now, he joins Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year deal worth $50 million as the team looks to make another deep playoff run next season. According to recent reports, Thompson had an opportunity to join the LA Lakers but decided not to do so because it may be too similar to playing in Golden State.
The way Zach Lowe sees things, given the drama surrounding the Lakers, Klay Thompson may have made a wise decision. During a recent episode of ESPN's Get Up, he explained:
"The Lakers are a soap opera, constantly. And if you are the guy that the Lakers signed because LeBron took a pay cut, you are always the guy for whom LeBron took a pay cut. ...
"I do think that's right that Klay looked at LA, looked at the hometown stuff, looked at people asking for tickets all the time, and said, you know what? This is too much of the same thing. Let me start really, truly fresh outside of California."
Looking at the season ahead for LeBron James and the LA Lakers, as well as Klay Thompson and the Mavs
As we've seen in recent years, LeBron James and the LA Lakers continue to be one of the biggest storylines in the NBA. For example, during the NBA Finals, fans on social media repeatedly pointed out how national TV coverage of the NBA was largely focused on James and the Lakers.
This offseason, the team has remained under the spotlight. They kicked off the offseason by parting ways with coach Darvin Ham, with a slew of rumors and reports then emerging throughout their coaching search.
After being turned down by Dan Hurley, the team hired JJ Redick, but the offseason drama had only just begun.
The team then used their second-round draft pick to select LeBron James' son, Bronny James, a move that wasn't entirely surprising. Of course, their decision to draft Bronny and sign him to a multi-year deal with $4.4 million guaranteed has raised eyebrows, sparking quite a bit of debate online.
Given that, and Zach Lowe's recent comments, it sounds as though Klay Thompson is eager for a fresh start somewhere new. With the Dallas Mavericks losing a key starter in Derrick Jones Jr, and the team looking to return to the NBA Finals, the change of scenery could be just what Klay Thompson needs.
The variable that Thompson may not have considered, however, is that, despite Dallas not getting the same national media attention as LA, he may bring the spotlight with him.