The Los Angeles Lakers remain interested in adding another proven shooter around Luka Dončić, but a reunion with Klay Thompson appears increasingly unlikely.
After being linked with the four-time NBA champion throughout the offseason, the Lakers have reportedly been dealt a significant setback, with the Dallas Mavericks showing little interest in moving the veteran guard despite speculation surrounding his future.
Mavericks Not Looking to Part Ways With Thompson
According to Sporting News, the Mavericks are not actively shopping Thompson and continue to view him as an important part of their rotation.
The update comes after several trade proposals surfaced suggesting the Lakers could target Thompson to strengthen their perimeter shooting around Dončić. However, Dallas is reportedly reluctant to help a Western Conference rival while still believing Thompson can contribute as both a leader and floor spacer.
Thompson joined the Mavericks in 2024 after spending the first 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, where he won four NBA championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Lakers Continue Searching for Shooting
Los Angeles has reshaped its roster this offseason but is still searching for additional outside shooting to complement Dončić.
Thompson has long been viewed as an ideal fit because of his ability to thrive without the ball, his championship experience and his familiarity playing alongside elite playmakers. Those qualities have made him a recurring name in Lakers trade speculation.
While Thompson is no longer the All-NBA player he was during Golden State’s dynasty, he remains one of the league’s most respected perimeter shooters and would immediately improve the Lakers’ spacing.
Dončić Reunion Would Have Made Sense
A move to Los Angeles would have reunited Thompson with Dončić.
The pair were teammates in Dallas before the Mavericks’ stunning decision to trade Dončić to the Lakers, a move that dramatically altered both franchises’ futures. Since then, speculation has continued that Thompson could eventually follow his former teammate to Los Angeles.
However, unless Dallas changes its position later in the season, that reunion appears unlikely.
Trade Rumours Unlikely to Disappear
Although the Mavericks are resisting interest for now, Thompson’s name is expected to remain in trade discussions throughout the season.
If Dallas falls out of playoff contention or shifts further towards a younger roster built around Cooper Flagg and its emerging core, rival teams could renew their pursuit of the veteran sharpshooter.
For the Lakers, though, the latest update suggests they may need to explore other options as they continue building a championship-calibre roster around Dončić.
