The Los Angeles Lakers are one of a few teams heavily mentioned in Klay Thompson trade rumors, as the franchise has been linked to the former Luka Doncic teammate in hopes of adding more shooting on the wings.
Along with Thompson, the Lakers remain linked to other Dallas Mavericks players like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington. But despite Los Angeles’ reported interest in landing any of them, according to a new report, clear roadblocks are in the way of any potential move.
As NBA insider Brett Siegel reported, the Lakers face competition from the Miami Heat for a Thompson trade, and the team’s lack of movable first-round picks could hinder their chances of Dallas entertaining a deal.
Lakers Klay Thompson Trade Rumors Still Have Roadblock
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
In his most recent trade rumors and free agency news roundup, Siegel reported the Lakers and the Heat are two teams named as landing spots for Thompson, who is on the trade block this summer but won’t be bought out of his current contract.
“Where Thompson would then end up in this scenario is unknown. The Miami Heat have been locked in on finding a way to add Thompson, and the Los Angeles Lakers would also be interested in adding Thompson. As a free agent in 2024, Klay chose to join the Mavs to play alongside Luka Doncic,” he wrote. “Well, Luka is now the face of the Lakers, which is why it makes sense that Thompson would have interest in playing for LA.”
While neither team has extensive trade assets, as Siegel reported, Miami’s young players, like Nikola Jovic, could be a more intriguing package than whatever the Lakers have to offer.
“If the Heat truly want Thompson, they will need to sacrifice young forward Nikola Jovic in a deal,” he added. “If the Lakers want him or others on the Mavericks’ roster… they will need to get very creative to try and match $17 million to $18 million in outgoing salary with no tradeable first-round picks.”
Links between the Lakers and Thompson have been prevalent, and most recently, it was the father of the four-time NBA champion, Mychal Thompson, publicly urging his son to find his way to Los Angeles.
L.A. Interested In More Mavericks Players
The Los Angeles Lakersare linked to Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks in NBA trade rumors.
Along with Thompson, the Lakers have also been linked to the Mavericks’ Gafford and Washington, both of whom appear on the trade block as Dallas fully shifts to the Cooper Flagg era.
Both players aren’t new additions to Lakers trade rumors, but as it relates to a deal for either actually coming to fruition, it’s a tough path for the LakeShow to add more forward depth from Dallas.
As Siegel wrote, the Mavericks would be looking for at least one first-rounder in a Gafford trade, an asset the Lakers don’t have.
“Speaking of Gafford, the Mavs continue to signal that they will be very open to any deal involving Gafford that would net them a first-round pick,” he added.
That doesn’t mean the Lakers are unable to land Gafford, but it just means a trade would likely take more maneuvering than both sides would hope for. Los Angeles also can’t expect Thompson, Gafford, or even Washington, whom they’ve also shared links with, to fall in their lap, especially after the Doncic trade and subsequent fallout.
Signs point to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office still keen on making another move this NBA offseason, but as it relates to their trade targets on the Mavericks, there’s no straightforward path for any landing in Southern California.
Lakers Hit Major Roadblock In Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford Trade Rumors