Two years ago, Klay Thompson turned down the Los Angeles Lakers to join Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. Now, with Dončić wearing purple and gold, the possibility of the two reuniting in Los Angeles is once again gaining traction.
As speculation surrounding Thompson’s future intensifies, his father, Mychal Thompson, has weighed in.
Klay Thompson’s Father Breaks Silence as Calls Grow for 4-Time Champion to Join Luka Dončić’s Lakers
In July 2024, Thompson reportedly rejected a four-year, $80 million offer from the Lakers that would have paired him with LeBron James. Instead, he agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Mavericks, accepting a three-year, $50 million contract to play alongside Dončić.
Mychal, a two-time NBA champion with the “Showtime” Lakers, admitted at that time on SiriusXM Radio that he wasn’t “feeling too much in a congratulatory mood right now,” after his son chose Dallas over Los Angeles.
Fast forward two years, and circumstances have changed dramatically.
With the Mavericks reportedly open to moving Klay, many fans have urged Mychal to help bring his son to the Lakers, where Dončić now serves as the franchise cornerstone.
The elder Thompson, who currently works as a Lakers radio commentator and analyst, acknowledged those pleas on Thursday.
“I’m trying. (enraged emoji).”
I’m TRYING…😡
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) August 6, 2026
While a reunion has become a popular talking point, completing a deal may not be easy.
Dallas is reportedly resistant to a buyout and instead hopes to receive a player or draft assets in exchange for the five-time All-Star. NBA insider Jake Fischer said Thursday that the Mavericks are well aware of the growing interest around the league and intend to capitalize on it.
According to Fischer, the Lakers and Miami Heat are among the teams “lining up” for Thompson.
Financially, the move presents challenges as well.
Thompson is set to earn $17.5 million next season. A Fanspo trade centered around Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who will make $12.4 million, could help satisfy salary-matching requirements.
A buyout would represent the cleanest path to reunite Thompson with Dončić, but Dallas appears intent on extracting value instead.
That approach makes sense for a franchise now fully committed to building around 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
At 36 years old, Thompson no longer fits the Mavericks’ long-term timeline. Meanwhile, a contender such as the Lakers could offer him one more realistic opportunity to compete for a fifth NBA championship.
A Thompson-Dončić reunion remains iffy. But one thing is already clear: if Mychal gets his wish, Klay’s next chapter will bring him full circle to Los Angeles, where another run alongside Dončić could finally become reality.
