Additional Coverage:
- Klay Thompson’s father, a Lakers broadcaster, ‘really disappointed’ after son picks Mavericks in free agency (cbssports.com)
Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors ended on Monday when he was signed and traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal involving three teams. His father, Mychal Thompson, a former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick and current broadcaster for the Lakers, expressed disappointment over Klay’s new team during a radio interview with Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine on Tuesday. Mychal, who has won two championships with the Lakers and serves as their radio color commentator, was particularly hopeful his son would play for the Lakers.
Mychal made it clear he wasn’t in a celebratory mood following the news, indicating a strong desire for Klay to have joined the Lakers, especially since the team and the Mavericks were the two final contenders for his son. Emphasizing his personal connection to the Lakers and how the franchise has benefited his family, including Klay’s upbringing as a Lakers fan and admirer of Kobe Bryant, Mychal admitted he had lobbied for his son to choose the Lakers.
Klay’s strained relationship with the Warriors had signaled his departure from the team, with the Lakers frequently mentioned as a possible landing spot due to his connections to the area and his father’s legacy with the team. However, Adrian Wojnarowski reported Klay was ultimately swayed by the Mavericks, partly because of the financial benefits of Texas’ tax policies and the team’s recent success, including a trip to the Finals.