Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson 's future remains murky although money matters could factor in after this NBA season. Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he was called for a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. Getty Images/Ezra Shaw

The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to several high profile players in the offseason, but there is no clarity on who they will land. One of the names abuzz right now is Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current NBA season.

For those who know the Lakers' history, a move to Hollywood would make sense for the 29-year-old cager. His father, Mychal Thompson, used to don the purple and gold. Klay’s knack for hitting the big shots from the outside makes him a perfect compliment to LeBron James and company. Unfortunately, there is a growing belief that he may either stay at the Bay Area or negotiate with teams except for the Lakers.

“Guys, I don’t think Klay even gives the Lakers a meeting. If [the Warriors] don’t give him the full max, I think he goes someplace else. I really don’t think Klay gives the Lakers a meeting,” suggested Ramona Shelburne on an ESPN podcast.

This is, of course, only an opinionated piece of Shelburne and in fact, did not cite any sources. However, she is in close cahoots with the Lakers so her take could remain essential.

Should Thompson not give the Lakers a chance to even pitch a deal, he would become the second player to do so. Last year, it was Paul George who didn’t give Los Angeles a chance and immediately signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Much of this was discussed in a previous post.

It will be an interesting summer for the Lakers and other teams out to bolster their lineups. The Warriors, the favorites to win it all again, have key players most are coveting. Aside from Thompson, there is also Kevin Durant who has been closely linked to the New York Knicks.

Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson will enter free agency in 2019 and will be eligible for a max contract from the Warriors. In this picture, Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he was called for a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Jan. 16, 2019. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

On whether this would be a distraction for Steve Kerr and his wards remains to be seen. The NBA postseason is set to begin with all teams setting their sights on the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Dubs have a tough gauntlet to hurdle in the Western Conference with the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets out to dethrone the reigning champions. However, the Warriors are likely to pick it up a notch as the NBA shifts to its penultimate stage.

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