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The recent decision of Klay Thompson to sign with the Dallas Mavericks instead of Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent has stirred mixed emotions, particularly within his family. His father, Mychal Thompson, a former Lakers star, expressed his disappointment over the move, reflecting on the implications and factors that influenced Klay’s choice.
Mychal Thompson’s Reaction
The news of Klay Thompson’s agreement to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks was met with less enthusiasm from his father. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mychal Thompson shared his feelings candidly.
“I’m not feeling too much in a congratulatory mood right now,” he admitted on the show.
While understanding that the decision ultimately rested with Klay, Mychal couldn’t hide his disappointment. “You know, because, I mean, obviously it’s Klay’s decision. It’s his life,” he acknowledged. “He’s a grown man, 34 years of age, just like we were 34 at one time. And our fathers used to give us advice and, you know, we would choose our own path and that’s fine, that’s what life is supposed to be about.”
Despite his acceptance, Mychal’s hope for Klay to join the Lakers was evident. “I’m really disappointed. I was hoping, as you can assess, that he would be a Laker. And it was close. It came down to the Lakers and the Mavs, but the Mavs won out. But you know me, I was hoping and praying he’d finish his career with the Lakers,” he confessed.
Factors Behind the Decision
Klay Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks was influenced by several key factors. According to sources, the Lakers were a strong contender, but the financial benefits of living in Texas compared to California, along with the Mavericks’ recent near-championship performance, played significant roles.
The allure of the Lakers, a team Klay grew up idolizing, was strong. “When he told me that the Lakers were talking to him, or going to talk to him … obviously I tried to sell playing for the Lakers,” Mychal said. “Obviously that’s the right thing for me to do and the proper thing for me to do. And I felt like it was the correct thing for me to do because I really believe in this franchise.”
A Legacy of Lakers Fandom
Mychal Thompson’s connection to the Lakers runs deep. Playing for the “Showtime” Lakers from 1987 to 1991, he won two NBA championships and developed a lasting bond with the franchise. This connection extended to his family, including Klay, who grew up a Lakers fan and idolized Kobe Bryant.
“The franchise has been so good to me and my family, including Klay. He grew up a Laker fan. He grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant like most players his age, most kids his age. So I just thought it seemed like it would be the perfect fit for him to finally come back home,” Mychal shared.
Klay’s Journey and the Decision to Move On
Klay Thompson’s stellar career with the Golden State Warriors saw him win four NBA championships over 13 seasons. However, last season brought challenges, including fluctuating roles and a late-season move to the bench. Despite these changes, he averaged 17.9 points, his lowest since the 2012-13 season.
Reflecting on Klay’s career aspirations, Mychal said, “We always talked about him playing for the Lakers. If he was not a Golden State Warrior, where else would he want to play? And of course, being a fan of Kobe’s, he would’ve loved to have played for the Lakers.”
Ultimately, Klay’s decision to join the Mavericks over the Lakers was a choice he felt was best for him. “But he had a chance, and when the chance came, he chose the Mavericks instead. And I’ll live with it. I accept it and I’m happy for him that he’s happy with his decision. But yeah, of course I tried to sell him on the Lakers,” Mychal concluded.
In the end, while Mychal Thompson’s disappointment is visible, he respects the autonomy of Klay Thompson and supports his decision, even if it means seeing him in a Mavericks jersey instead of the Lakers purple and gold.
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