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New York Post
LeBron James contacted Klay Thompson ‘when free agency opened’ as Lakers eye upgrades
By Bradley Locker,
20 hours ago
Two of the NBA’s longtime individual rivals may be on the way to teaming up.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, former Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson was contacted by LeBron James as free agency began Sunday night .
“I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened, 6 p.m. ET,” Wojnarowski said on “SportsCenter .”
Adrian Wojnarowski:
"I'm told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened…These conversations, this negotiation will go into tomorrow. There probably will not be a resolution tonight.”
The insider added on Sunday night that Thompson was expected to “ have discussions ” with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers .
Klay Thompson’s free agency may wrap up Monday. AP
It was reported Sunday evening that Thompson and the Warriors were leaning toward a split after 13 years and four titles together.
The 34-year-old shooting guard didn’t look like his usual All-Star-caliber self last season, finishing with 17.9 points per game — his fewest in a season since 2012-13 — and only 3.3 rebounds per matchup.
Thompson was moved to the bench during much of the Warriors’ second half, being replaced by breakout rookie guard Brandin Podziemski in the starting lineup during the span.
Thompson has gone 3-2 in playoff series against James. AP
The five-time All-Star’s 63 starts were his fewest in a full season since his rookie year in 2011-12.
Thompson was one of the anchors of Golden State’s dynasty, his dynamic shooting and tenacious defense perfectly complementing the play of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
As it pertains to Thompson and James, the two have plenty of familiarity based on their extensive playoff experience.
James reportedly took less money upfront this year in order to attract more high-profile players to Los Angeles. AP
The stars faced each other during the NBA Finals every year from 2015-18, in addition to the 2023 Western Conference semifinals, which Los Angeles won in six games.
It was reported on June 29 that James would opt out of his $51.4 million option for the 2024-25 season, supposedly taking a pay cut to woo attractive free-agent options like Thompson.
Last year, Los Angeles went 47-35 before losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
If Thompson does stay on the West Coast with the Lakers — the same franchise for which his dad, Mychal, played for five years — he would pair up with James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell under rookie head coach JJ Redick .
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