Klay Thompson to Lakers? Mavericks trade situation could open door for Luka Doncic reunion

The Los Angeles Lakers' search for another proven wing could lead them back to Klay Thompson, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly exploring the trade market for the veteran sharpshooter ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Thompson, who nearly joined Los Angeles before signing with Dallas in 2024, would be receptive to returning to the city, according to The Athletic's Christian Clark. The 36-year-old spent part of his childhood in the Los Angeles area and maintains a home nearby.

What makes the situation particularly intriguing for the Lakers is Dallas' roster crunch. The Mavericks are carrying 16 standard contracts—one above the regular-season limit—and Thompson is entering the final year of his contract.


No trade has been agreed, and Dallas has not publicly indicated that a Thompson deal is imminent. But with the Lakers still looking for help around Luka Doncic, the circumstances have inevitably revived speculation about a potential move.

Mavericks reportedly testing Thompson's trade value

Thompson is due $17.5 million for the 2026-27 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

According to Clark, the Mavericks have explored possible trades involving the four-time NBA champion but have yet to find an agreement.

His role in Dallas declined last season. Thompson appeared in 69 games and averaged a career-low 11.7 points in 21.7 minutes per game, spending significant time coming off the bench. His outside shooting remained valuable, however, as he connected on 38.3% of his three-point attempts.

Dallas' roster situation has added another layer to the uncertainty. Matching an offer sheet for Moussa Cissé left the Mavericks with 16 standard contracts, meaning the franchise will eventually have to make a roster move.

Jake Fischer has reported that Dallas would prefer to retain Thompson as a potential trade asset rather than simply negotiate a buyout.

That distinction matters for Los Angeles. A buyout could potentially create a simpler route to acquiring Thompson, while a trade would require the Lakers to navigate salary-matching rules and their limited financial flexibility.

A second Mavericks player could make a bigger deal intriguing

One hypothetical scenario would expand the conversation beyond Thompson and include P.J. Washington, giving Los Angeles two experienced players capable of addressing weaknesses on the roster.

Washington would bring size, shooting and postseason experience to the Lakers' frontcourt. He previously played alongside Doncic during Dallas' run to the 2024 NBA Finals, making him a familiar fit alongside the Lakers star.

Insider Marc Jacobs has reported that the Lakers and Mavericks have held advanced discussions involving Washington, although no deal is considered close.

A speculative framework could see Los Angeles receive Thompson and Washington while Dallas acquires a package involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr and a 2032 first-round pick swap.

Such a proposal remains hypothetical rather than a reported agreement between the teams.

Why Thompson could make sense alongside Luka Doncic

For Los Angeles, Thompson's greatest appeal remains obvious: shooting.

Doncic's ability to attract multiple defenders creates open perimeter opportunities, and Thompson has spent his career thriving as a catch-and-shoot threat. Even as his overall offensive production has declined with age, opponents still have to respect his ability from beyond the arc.

His postseason résumé also offers something the Lakers could value.

Across 158 career playoff games, Thompson has averaged 19.2 points while shooting 43.6% from three-point range, bringing championship experience from his years with the Golden State Warriors.

There is also history behind the potential pairing. Thompson considered joining the Lakers in 2024 before ultimately choosing Dallas.

P.J. Washington could address another Lakers need

While Thompson would improve perimeter shooting, Washington could potentially provide the more complete wing and frontcourt upgrade Los Angeles has been seeking.

The Lakers spent part of the offseason attempting to find additional forward help, including pursuing Jonathan Kuminga, but financial restrictions complicated their plans.

Washington would offer size and floor spacing while already possessing experience playing alongside Doncic in high-pressure postseason games.

A deal could also allow Los Angeles to move Vanderbilt's contract, something the franchise has previously explored.

However, assembling a trade involving both Thompson and Washington would be considerably more complicated than acquiring Thompson alone.

Dallas has reasons to consider reshaping its roster

The Mavericks are moving into a new phase built around Cooper Flagg, and their crowded rotation could eventually force difficult decisions.

Dallas already has several players competing for minutes on the wing, including Flagg, Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher, Max Christie and Caleb Martin.

Moving Thompson would remove an expiring $17.5 million salary, while trading Washington could provide considerably more long-term financial flexibility because of his larger contract.

In return, a package centred on younger players and future draft assets could give Dallas additional flexibility as it builds around its emerging core.

Lakers-Mavericks trade remains far from certain

Despite the obvious connections, there is currently no indication that Thompson is definitely headed to Los Angeles.

Dallas has reportedly explored his market without securing a deal, while the Mavericks' preference to trade rather than buy out the veteran makes any Lakers move more complicated.

Still, the ingredients are there to keep the speculation alive: Los Angeles needs another wing, Dallas has a roster decision to make, Thompson reportedly remains open to returning to LA, and a reunion with Doncic could offer the Lakers another proven shooter as they attempt to strengthen their rotation.

Whether those factors ultimately produce a trade may depend on how aggressively both teams approach the final weeks before the new season.