Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James wants his team to make a splash in free agency this offseason.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, James is “hoping” the Lakers can make an offer for free agent Klay Thompson, which would draw interest from the Dallas Mavericks, among other teams.
Thompson has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors, but the team is reportedly preparing for a future without him.
James and the Lakers are hoping to capture another title while the window is still open, and adding a talented shooter like Thompson would certainly help them contend next season.
It’s no secret that the Lakers need help in the three-point shooting department. Los Angeles shot 37.7 percent from three as a team during the regular season, and that number dropped to 29.9 percent in its first-round playoff game against the Denver Nuggets.
James is still playing at a high level despite his age and Anthony Davis is also still in top form, so the Lakers are probably just a whisker away from winning another championship.
Los Angeles added a solid shooter in the draft, selecting Tennessee star Dalton Knecht. The prolific collegiate scorer shot 39.7 from deep in his final season with the Vols a year ago.
With the Lakers counting on the rookie’s skills to translate to the NBA, there’s still a good chance they’ll add a shooter this offseason.
Thompson would be a great veteran to add to the roster, but his cost could certainly play a role. The Lakers will have to reach a new deal with James this offseason, which might not give them enough wiggle room to offer Thompson a significant deal.
If Thompson is willing to accept a more affordable number, it could give him the chance to add another title to his resume.
News Source : syndication.bleacherreport.com
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