LeBron putting in the work.
The Los Angeles Lakers star wasted no time starting his recruiting efforts when NBA free agency officially opened on Sunday evening.
One of James’s first calls was to Golden State Warriors’ shooting guard Klay Thompson, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The conversation between the two NBA stars marks a significant moment in the early stages of free agency.
“[Klay Thompson], his agent, Greg Lawrence at Wasserman, are talking with a number of teams, including the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks,” Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter on Sunday. “They’ve had conversations tonight. I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened at 6 p.m. Eastern—reached out, talked to Klay.”
Wojnarowski further elaborated on the situation, stating, “The expectation that I have right now is these conversations, this negotiation will go into tomorrow. There probably will not be a resolution tonight, but certainly Dallas, the Lakers, the Clippers are working to be involved in this.”
The news of James’s interest in bringing Thompson to Los Angeles comes amid reports that the Warriors’ All-Star guard is poised to leave the only franchise he’s ever played for.
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, has been linked to both the Lakers and Mavericks early in unrestricted free agency after contract negotiations broke down with Golden State.
Thompson, known for his elite shooting and defensive skills, would be a significant addition to any team.
His potential departure from the Warriors signifies the end of an era for Golden State, where he played a crucial role in their championship runs. The Lakers, looking to strengthen their roster, see Thompson as a valuable asset who can complement James’s playmaking abilities and provide much-needed scoring and defense.
LeBron James, who technically is a free agent himself after declining his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, is expected to re-sign with the Lakers this offseason.
The 39-year-old is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to help Los Angeles sign an “established veteran playmaker” like Thompson. James’s willingness to adjust his salary demonstrates his commitment to building a championship-contending team and his desire to bring another title to Los Angeles.
As negotiations continue, the NBA world watches closely to see if LeBron James’s recruiting efforts will successfully lure Klay Thompson to the Lakers.
The potential addition of Thompson would significantly boost the Lakers’ chances of competing for a championship in the upcoming season, adding another chapter to the storied franchise’s legacy.
