Klay Thompson Won't Be 'Lakers Savior', Will Stay With Warriors, Mychal Says

Klay Thompson will be one among the elite players entering free agency this summer alongside Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving. The Golden State Warriors shooting guard has been linked with a move away but his father Mychal Thompson has indicated that his son has no intention of leaving the reigning champions.

The Warriors guard has been with the team since 2011 when he was drafted 11^th overall and has formed a strong bond with Stephen Curry – the team’s talisman. They have won three NBA championships together and are favorites to make it four in 2019.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with a move for Thompson with the franchise hoping to convince him to return home in the summer. And his father – Mychal – admitted that his son does love the weather back home, but has no intention of returning to the city on a permanent basis this summer.

“He’ll be happy here, he loves the good weather,” Mychal told The Orange County Register. “I always tell him when he’s retired, he’ll have another 40 years to spend here. He’s in no rush to get back.”

The Lakers have $38 million in max salary cap space heading into the summer and will be looking to make some big moves in the free agency market to find a player who can complement LeBron James. Thompson will be the perfect foil to shoulder some of the scoring burden, but he is unlikely to leave the Warriors, where he almost has a sure chance of challenging for the NBA title for years to come.

Thompson has previously stated about his intentions to remain in the Bay Area, but there is a possibility he could leave if the Warriors do not offer him a max contract. But Thompson’s father, who does color commentary for the Lakers is certain he will not arrive at the Staples Center in the summer – but revealed that he is constantly asked the question by the purple and gold faithful.

“I can’t go anywhere,” Mychal added. “Ultimately it’s a compliment: Lakers fans want him to play here. But I don’t think that way. I think the Lakers are gonna be fine. I don’t see Klay coming out here as a savior.”

The Warriors, however, could lose Durant in the summer with many expecting the two-time NBA Finals MVP to leave the Bay Area team whether he wins his third straight NBA championship or not. The New York Knicks has been touted as a potential destination.