Lakers reportedly among teams interested in Klay Thompson

With Klay Thompson looking set to leave the Warriors, the Lakers are reportedly one of the favorites to land him in free agency.

The Lakers could be set for a big splash in free agency. With LeBron James open to taking less than his max contract, the team will have the use of the full mid-level exception.

Projected to be just shy of $13 million, it’s a useful weapon to have entering free agency. And one big name is set to be the target of that exception.

According to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors and Klay Thompson look set to part ways. One of the teams at the front of the line to sign him? The Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to be among strong suitors for Thompson, according to league sources. Multiple teams with salary cap space are expected to show interest in Thompson as well. Through the Tim Hardaway Jr. salary dump, the Mavericks have already generated enough room to offer the full projected $12.9 million midlevel on the market. The Lakers have the ability to generate the same, depending on where LeBron James’ next deal lands and other business.

According to Brad Turner of the LA Times, Thompson will speak with the Lakers during free agency before making his decision.

The news of LeBron willing to take less than the max was a genuine shock, considering it’s been over a decade since he last did so. But if it’s for a player like Thompson, it makes sense why he would.

Thompson did struggle a bit last season with his bad games being loud performances. In Golden State’s final game of the season in the play-in against the Kings, Thompson was 0-10 from the field and 0-6 from the 3-point line.

His play dipped enough that he was also removed from the starting lineup. It marked the first time since his rookie campaign that he did not start every game he played.

Still, he finished the year averaging 17.9 points per game on 38.7% shooting from beyond the arc. That was only the second time in his career that he did not eclipse 40% shooting from the 3-point line.

It was certainly a down year for the 34-year-old wing. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value and couldn’t provide the Lakers a lot as a movement shooter. LeBron has always excelled with those types of role players, and Klay may be the best movement shooter in the league’s history.

There’s still competition the Lakers have to face for his signing, but considering his connection to the franchise through his father, Mychal, the Lakers have to feel pretty confident about this move.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.