Klay Thompson’s NBA free agency decision shocked many — and even frustrated his own family members.
Appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio Tuesday morning, Klay’s dad, Mychal, who played and now works for the Los Angeles Lakers, explained his negative reactions to finding out his son agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks instead of the 17-time champions.
“I’m not feeling too much in a congratulatory mood right now,” Thompson said bluntly. “Obviously, it’s Klay’s decision. It’s his life. He’s a grown man. … I was really disappointed. I was hoping, hoping, as you can assess, that he would be a Laker.”
Mychal Thompson played for the Lakers from 1987-91, winning two NBA championships in LA.
Since he retired after 1992, Mychal transitioned to broadcasting, joining the Lakers’ commentary team in 2003, and still works as a radio analyst for the organization.
Thompson’s dad added that it was “close” between Los Angeles and Dallas, and that he “tried to sell” being part of the Lakers.
“Obviously, that’s the right thing for me to do, and the proper thing for me to do,” Mychal said. “I really believe in this franchise. This franchise has been so good to me and my family, including Klay.”
According to Mychal, his sharpshooter son was a Lakers fan during his upbringing and emulated Kobe Bryant.
“I just thought it seemed like it would be the perfect fit for him to finally come back home,” Thompson summed up.
Klay played the first 13 seasons of his career with the Warriors, becoming a five-time All-Star and four-time champion.
Since he debuted in the pros, Thompson’s 2,370 3-pointers converted are fourth in the NBA.
Despite posting his lowest average scoring output in a year this past season (17.9 points per game) since 2012-13, Thompson remains a household name with the chance to bounce back with a new organization.
The shooting guard will join Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on a Mavericks team that just reached its first NBA Finals since 2011.
