The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to land veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson in free agency, but ultimately, he opted to sign with the Dallas Mavericks instead.
The reasoning for Thompson's decision is understandable, as the former Golden State Warrior was reportedly seeking a fresh start, an environment that LA would not have provided, in his opinion.
“James had several deep conversations with Thompson about the idea of playing together, sources said," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews wrote. "But something about playing for the Lakers apparently felt too much like playing for the Warriors. As one source close to him put it, ‘Would this be trading one fishbowl for another?’”
Thompson is, of course, seeking championship No. 5, but it appears there are other priorities at this stage of his career. From a location standpoint, the Mavericks provide the fresh start he was reportedly searching for, as he's moving from California to Texas.
The Warriors and Lakers draw in tons of attention as huge market organizations filled with superstar talent, most notably Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Despite reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Mavericks tend to avoid the spotlight to some extent.
Not everyone in Thompson's corner is thrilled about the decision, as his father, Mychal Thompson, wishes he joined his former team, the Lakers.
