Fox Sports' Nick Wright wasn't too happy with Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka after the Dallas Mavericks signed the former Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson .
Thompson has agreed to join the Mavs on a three-year $50 million sign-and-trade deal, in which Dallas only had to give up guard Josh Green. Green is headed to the Charlotte Hornets, who will, in turn, surrender two future second-round picks to the Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, considered neck-and-neck with the Mavs in the race for Klay, ended up empty-handed.
"So what does Rob Pelinka do?" Asked Wright. "Like seriously. You have the greatest player ever being like, 'Hey, I'll take less money if you can land somebody,' and the Dallas Mavericks…they've been striking out on free agents for a decade. The Dallas Mavericks win a bidding war for a player whose dad is your broadcaster?"
The Lakers were among the favorites to land Klay
On Day 1 of free agency, the Lakers were in play to land Thompson after LeBron James reportedly called Klay and talked about teaming up. James opted out of a $51.4 million player option for next season, and there were reports that he was willing to take a big pay cut if the purple and gold could secure a third star in free agency.
Klay was the obvious choice. His three-point shooting would've helped the Lakers, especially since JJ Redick, another former sharpshooter, took over the team.
Klay's dad, Mychal, is also a former member of the Showtime Lakers and is currently employed as the team's radio color commentator. Given all these, Wright can't believe how Pelinka lost to Nico Harrison in the Klay bidding war.
"You can't sign the coach you try to sign," added Wright, referencing UConn's Dan Hurley. "You can't land Klay. What does he do? What more help does Rob Pelinka need is my question?"
Not all that glitters is in L.A.
While Wright blames Pelinka for yet another free agency debacle by the Lakers , losing Klay to the Mavericks may not be his fault. That's because Thompson wasn't after the bright lights of L.A.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski , Klay's agent admitted the Lakers offered them more money. However, neither money nor the glamour of the organization couldn't persuade the 34-year-old to join. Despite having four rings already, Klay wants to chase more titles, and they can make up the difference in contract value with the difference in state taxes.
The Mavs are coming off an appearance in the 2024 NBA Finals. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving returning, Klay believes he has better chances of winning with the Mavs than with the Lakers. This is the latest proof that not everything that glitters is in L.A.
Related: "Klay wants to feel respected, appreciated, and valued" - Kendra Andrews on the imminent split between Klay Thompson and the Warriors
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