Lakers News: Klay Thompson Turns Only Hope For Rob Pelinka to Honor LeBron James’ Demand After Shocking Wizards Move

The LA Lakers are currently in an ‘All or Nothing’ phase with the latest updates from the NBA world. Last night LeBron James pulled off a surprising move by opting out of the contract. It wasn’t a greedy decision, but a sacrificial one to rope in veteran ballers to help the greater cause. Rich Paul initially revealed that the superstar was looking for players like James Harden, Klay Thompson, or Jonas Valanciunas. However, hours later, two of them have already flown out of the window and Rob Pelinka has only one option left.

Firstly, Jonas Valanciunas, whom James proposed to play a supporting big man around Anthony Davis. The 32-year-old, who still has a lot of basketball left in his career, entered free agency after a three-year stint with the New Orleans Pelicans. Amidst the widespread media coverage of the Lakers’ intention to trade him, the Washington Wizards rushed forward. The District side signed a 3-year deal worth $30 million with the player, as per Adrian Wojnarowski.

On the other hand, James Harden, who LeBron James intended to rope in to play the orchestrator, slipped out of the hand. According to Shams Charania, Harden’s agents are looking to crack a 2-year deal worth $70 million and return to the LA Clippers. Thus, leaving Rob Pelinka with the only option, which is Klay Thompson.

Notably, the Splash Brother has entered the free agency market and showed interest in 4 teams namely, the Lakers, Mavs, Clippers, and 76ers. So the Purple & Gold has a fair chance to rope the sharpshooter into the roster. At the same time, everyone has to pay attention to the demand that the superstar put forward.

James intended to sacrifice for players like Harden, Klay, and Valanciunas, but not exactly them.

The demand actually meant to trade a veteran guard or a big man in the free agency. Leaving the Beard and Valanciunas out of the equation, the Lakers still have Klay, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and big man Isaiah Hartenstein in the free agency.

Will Klay Thompson sign with the Lakers?

Even though the Lakers have a chance, they must make an offer that Thompson can’t refuse. Importantly, they have to make a better one than three other teams. Considering the Lakers’ salary books, the team can only offer a mid-level exception of $8 million, along with considering James’ sacrifice, amounting to about $13 million.

However, it might not work out with the China Klay as he has already declined an offer from the Dubs with an annual salary of $24 million. But factors like him being a Los Angeles native and his dad playing for the Lakers could be the turning point in the window. If not for mid-level exceptions, the team can go for a sign-and-trade option. And the same goes for the LA Clippers.

For the Dallas Mavericks, the Texas side can make an offer better than the two LA sides. Especially after the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade, the team has a necessary cap space to offer to the star. Moreover, they can also use the same sign-and-trade option and give assets like Maxi Kleber and Josh Green to the Dubs. Nevertheless, they might be the best team for Klay to get his 5th ring, helping Kai and Luka’s cause as a 3rd superstar.

On the other hand, Philly has a cap space of almost $61 million, allowing them to offer the max. However, they also have Paul George in their options. So it’s a wait-and-watch situation. Where do you think Klay Thompson will land? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.