Without mentioning his fellow Golden State Warriors Splash Brother, Klay Thompson is arguably the best shooter in the league. His deadly perimeter accuracy and quick release makes it easy for him to score in bunches. The 37-point quarter that he had wasn’t too surprising knowing what a flamethrower he is on the court.

Despite his offensive acumen, the Warrior shooting guard isn’t just a one trick pony. An underrated defender, he is one of the best two-way players in the league that is highly sought after.

It is no secret that teams are scrambling to get some cap room for the loaded 2019 free agency pool which Thompson is a part of.

draymond green, klay thompson

Having a four-time All-star, two-time All-NBA, and a three-time NBA champion who averaged 20 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, while shooting 44 percent from the arc last season is definitely enticing for any team.

 

Based on reports, one team that has their eyes set on the marksman is the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite him saying that he would like to be with the Warriors for life, if there is one thing certain in this world, it is that nothing lasts forever.

In order for Klay Thompson to have a Laker change of heart, here are five factors to consider creating that perfect situation for him to leave the Bay area.

5. Parental factors

Laker great Mychal Thompson was not at the height of his powers playing for the Lakers alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. Despite that, his invaluable contributions to the team were on route to winning two championships from 1986 to 1988.

Klay Thompson

If someone can pitch on how legendary and storied the Lakers organization is, it would be no other than his father and current Lakers broadcaster, Mychal Thompson.

If he pulls on those parental strings paired with how he could be a part of a glorious franchise, it might be enough to sway the Warriors’ prized shooting guard.

4. Coaching influence

2014-15 was surely a memorable magical season for Klay Thompson. Aside from it being one of his most productive years, it was his first All-star nod and it was the Warriors’ first championship with their original superteam.

Although the head coach was officially Steve Kerr, a part of the Warriors 67-15 record can be attributed to assistant coach Luke Walton. As the interim head coach, he led Golden State to a 39-4 start while Kerr was recovering from back surgery.

Klay Thompson, Warriors

During his two years with the Warriors, Walton has formed a tight bond with his players like Klay Thompson. As the current head coach of the Lakers, Walton can use that relational leverage to influence him to consider playing for the purple and gold.

3. Big market city

Aside from the awesome sights and sounds of the city, the allure of big market cities like New York and Los Angeles is really based on how you can create your brand on a large scale. Things outside of the basketball world.

The Bay area may be big already, but nothing will be bigger than Hollywood. With Klay Thompson joining the Lakers, he will be one of the most marketable players on that roster. Endorsements of every kind are going to be a welcome addition to the millions that he has already earned in the NBA.

Klay Thompson

In addition, he can further create on change his image. All these will lead to countless possible projects courtesy of just moving to LA.

2. Creating his own legacy

Thompson is never going be priority number one in the Hamptons Five playing with two former MVPs in Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. At best, he is the third or fourth in the pecking order. With Curry still the face, Durant as the Finals MVP, Draymond Green as their heart and soul, Thompson is a tweener compared to his teammates. The addition of Boogie Cousins makes things even more complicated.

It should irk him if he wanted to get a lion’s share of the attention and accolades. Joining the Lakers may be the answer to that situation Although the Lakers are currently LeBron James’ and with young talent waiting in the wings, joining the team would eventually make the Lakers his team according to the timeline.

Klay Thompson, Warriors

At 33-years-old, it is an amazing feat to experience LeBron still producing at a high level. Even if we would love to, we cannot expect that to go on forever.

On the other hand, at 28-years-old and with a shooting skill set is not bound by any age, Klay Thompson will eventually be the main man on this Lakers team. Something he could finally acknowledge in his career, he will become the franchise player closer to sooner rather than later.

1. Playing with the best in the world

Not to knock on both Curry’s or Durant’s talents, but LeBron James is still the best player on the planet by far. Playing with a player of that caliber, no matter how hard or easy that may be will always be a privilege. When the King personally recruits you and tells you the awesome future that you could have together, you don’t just think about it, you strongly consider it.

Klay Thompson
ClutchPoints

With cap flexibility at their disposal paired with some of the best young talents in Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart, it would be hard to say no in any circumstance.

So if you look at it, you have the possibility of playing with one of the best franchises in the history with the best player in the world, there is a little left to think about that.

To sum it up, the Lakers are dealt with a hand they could win Klay Thompson with. If they get to play their cards right, pairing him with LeBron James might just not be a possibility anymore. It is closer to reality than we actually think. Only time will tell how wild basketball will be for 2019.