Mychal Thompson on Klay Thompson's departure: 'Joe Lacob didn't want to spend all that money again'

Mychal Thompson: “With state taxes and the cost of living, it sort of equals out. So, if you make 80 million in California, if you made 60-65 in Texas, it’s the same thing. But he’s making more money in Texas, yeah, take-home money, because of state tax. But that’s not the reason why he chose it. He looked at the opportunity to play with Kyrie and Luka and get back to the finals.” -via YouTube / July 4, 2024

ESPN reported that LeBron made a pitch to Klay as well. Do you have any insight on that pitch? Mychal Thompson: “I just heard that from the experts and pundits out there. I thought that was very complimentary and very flattering. If that was true, that shows you how much LeBron thought of Klay. That was very flattering, if that’s the truth.” -via SportsKeeda / July 3, 2024

Once it became clear that Klay Thompson would not play for the Golden State Warriors as he had initially hoped, his father rekindled his efforts to ensure a life-long dream. Mychal Thompson persistently pitched to Klay that he should sign with the Lakers. Mychal shared stories with Klay about his time with the Showtime Lakers. Mychal brought up Klay’s idol, the late Kobe Bryant. Mychal detailed how LeBron James and Anthony Davis would ensure Klay could become the consistently dominant shooter he was during the Warriors’ four NBA title runs. Mychal even reminded Klay about the various harbors in LA that he could store and ride his boat. No matter. Klay joined the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal in a multi-team sign-and-trade. “I’m happy for him,” Mychal told Sportskeeda, “because he seems to be happy with his decision.” -via SportsKeeda / July 3, 2024

What were your sales pitches to Klay? Mychal Thompson: “Mainly that this was home. He grew up here basically, and he idolized Kobe. Kobe was his man and basketball idol, and it would’ve been cool just like how I finished my career with my basketball idol in playing with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. That’s who I grew up idolizing. I was able to play alongside him and play in the same uniform as him. I thought that would be a fitting end for Klay to play in Kobe’s uniform and for the franchise that Kobe represented. That would’ve been a nice bookend to his career. But it wasn’t meant to be, so be it.” -via SportsKeeda / July 3, 2024

How have you processed the last 48 hours with Klay’s decision to go to Dallas? Thompson: “The bottom line is that as a father, as long as your son or daughter is happy, that’s all that matters. If Klay is happy, then I’m cool.” How have you weighed that with your hopes that Klay would’ve joined the Lakers? Mychal Thompson: “I would’ve loved it. I’m sure he would’ve done a good job if he had chosen to play here. But he seems to be happy with his decision. But it would’ve been nice to have him at home. If he couldn’t be a Warrior, I always would’ve wanted to see him play for the Lakers. It almost happened, but it didn’t. As long as he made the decision he wanted to make and is satisfied and happy with it, then I’m cool with it. Life is full of adjustments. Everybody has to go through it. Klay and us are no different.” -via SportsKeeda / July 3, 2024