In a recent video on Nightcap, a sports discussion channel on YouTube hosted by Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and Gilbert Arenas, Arenas commented on Klay Thompson’s potential free agency move to the Lakers. Responding to a viewer’s question, “Klay to the Lakers off the bench, yes or no?” Arenas replied, “The Lakers will probably take a shot for him, and I’m pretty sure he’ll start with the Lakers because that’s the type of player LeBron loves.”
Arenas is not the only one to speculate about the Lakers’ interest in Thompson. Earlier this year, sports journalist Shams Charania discussed how Thompson’s potential move to the Lakers could be highly beneficial for the team. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on the roster, Thompson would be a perfect fit.
Arenas also believes that although Thompson is originally from Los Angeles, San Francisco has become his true home. He remarked, “I don’t think Klay will leave everything he knows to come back home because technically this is not his home anymore. This is where he grew up, but it’s not his home; the Bay Area is his home.” Since joining the league, Thompson has only played for the Warriors, forming a historic dynasty with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has expressed his desire for Thompson to stay, highlighting his importance to the team.
Thompson has been a key player for the Warriors for over a decade, alongside his “Splash Brother,” Stephen Curry. He signed his last contract with the team in 2019, a five-year deal worth $190 million. Despite facing significant injuries, Thompson has established a lasting legacy with Golden State.
Following the Warriors’ 118-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings, which might have been Thompson’s last game with the team, coach Steve Kerr stated in a post-match interview, “We need Klay back.” Despite Thompson’s poor performance in that game, Kerr emphasized, “He’s still got good years left. And I know I speak for everybody in the organization: We want him back. … What Klay has meant to this franchise and as good as he still is, we desperately want him back.”
Thompson himself addressed his free agency, saying, “That’s life. Had so much success here, I’m not going to let whatever future happens make me salty about what I’ve been able to accomplish in a Warriors uniform. I don’t let that seep in at all.” Curry and Green share Kerr’s sentiments, with Green stating, “I don’t think there’s any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best decision for this team and organization.”
While the Warriors are keen to retain Thompson, the Lakers are among several teams interested in his free agency. Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors have been invaluable, playing a crucial role in the team’s success alongside Curry and Green.
The pressure on Thompson to make a decision is mounting. As he considers his options, fans and teams eagerly await his choice. Will he stay loyal to the Bay Area or switch to Los Angeles? Only time will tell, but Gilbert Arenas has made his stance clear, urging Thompson to prioritize loyalty and legacy above all else.
