Klay Thompson’s father speaks out: Is the decision to reject the Lakers for the Mavericks the biggest mistake in his son’s career?

Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 offseason sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape. A four-time NBA champion, five-time All-Star, and beloved Golden State Warriors icon, Thompson surprised many by turning down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, a team loaded with talent and potential. Now, less than a season into his tenure with Dallas, speculation is running wild. Did Klay make the right move? Or was rejecting the Lakers the biggest mistake of his storied career? According to Klay’s father, Mychal Thompson—a former Laker himself—the answer may lean toward the latter.

Klay Thompson’s bold decision in free agency

When Klay Thompson hit free agency in the summer of 2024, he was one of the most intriguing names on the market. Though his performance had slightly declined due to age and past injuries, he remained a valuable asset with elite shooting ability and championship pedigree. The Los Angeles Lakers, seeking veteran leadership and outside shooting to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis, reportedly made a serious offer. Many assumed it was a natural fit. After all, Mychal Thompson had played for the Lakers and won championships with the franchise. The idea of Klay following in his father’s footsteps had poetic appeal.

But Klay shocked the basketball world by signing a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. His decision was based on the promise of playing a key role alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He envisioned a fresh chapter in Texas, one where he could help guide a young and dynamic team to playoff success.

Mychal Thompson’s surprising comments

In a recent radio interview, Mychal Thompson opened up about his son’s decision to bypass the Lakers. As someone who has deep ties to the Lakers franchise, Mychal didn’t hold back.

“Look, I wanted him to come home,” Mychal said. “I thought the Lakers were the perfect fit for him—not just because of the family legacy, but because of what he could bring to a team with that much talent.”

He continued, “Klay had the chance to play with LeBron, to bring stability to the shooting guard position, and to finish his career in a place that values winning. Dallas is a great organization, don’t get me wrong—but I think he underestimated the opportunity he had with the Lakers.”

His comments ignited debate among analysts and fans alike. Was Mychal just speaking as a father who wanted his son nearby, or does he see something in Dallas that spells trouble for Klay’s career legacy?

Struggles with the Mavericks so far

The 2024–2025 season has not been smooth sailing for Klay Thompson in Dallas. His numbers are down across the board. He’s averaging fewer points per game, and his three-point percentage has dipped. More importantly, the chemistry between him, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving hasn’t fully clicked.

Klay is no longer the second or third option on offense. He often finds himself as a spot-up shooter, playing limited minutes and struggling to carve out a consistent role in Jason Kidd’s rotation. The Mavericks’ system is built heavily around Doncic’s ball-dominant style and Irving’s iso-heavy playmaking. For a player like Klay—who thrives off off-ball movement and rhythm—it’s been a difficult adjustment.

Would the Lakers have been a better fit?

In hindsight, the Los Angeles Lakers may have offered a better situation for Thompson. LeBron James, one of the greatest facilitators in league history, could have helped maximize Klay’s shooting talents. The Lakers also needed a reliable perimeter scorer to relieve the pressure on Anthony Davis. With role players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, Klay could have been the missing piece to a title-contending roster.

Additionally, the Lakers are known for their media attention, fanbase loyalty, and willingness to support aging stars in meaningful roles. Klay’s legacy could have been cemented further with a successful stint in purple and gold—especially if he had helped bring another championship to the storied franchise.

Pressure from the media and fan expectations

Now that Klay Thompson is in Dallas, he’s under a different kind of microscope. Mavericks fans are passionate, but they also demand results. After their disappointing playoff exit last season, expectations were high. Klay’s arrival was supposed to elevate the team to contender status. Instead, his underwhelming performances have led to criticism from fans and the media.

National pundits have begun to question whether Klay is still a top-tier shooting guard. Some wonder if the injuries he suffered in 2019 and 2020 have permanently reduced his effectiveness. Others say the Mavericks miscalculated how he would fit into their system. Regardless, the pressure is mounting, and it’s clear that Klay has something to prove.

What does the future hold for Klay Thompson?

There’s still time for Klay Thompson to turn things around. One bad stretch doesn’t define a season, and Klay has always been a streaky player. If he finds his rhythm, the Mavericks could become a serious threat in the Western Conference.

However, the question remains: did Klay choose short-term opportunity over long-term legacy? The Lakers offered familiarity, a strong support system, and a chance to finish his career surrounded by legends. The Mavericks offered a new beginning—but one that comes with unpredictability.

Should the Mavs fall short in the playoffs again and Klay continue to struggle, the narrative will only intensify. Mychal Thompson’s remarks may be remembered as prophetic. And Klay may look back on this decision with regret.

Legacy, loyalty, and life after the Warriors

Leaving the Golden State Warriors was always going to be difficult. Thompson was part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. His legacy in the Bay Area is untouchable. But legacies aren’t frozen in time—they evolve. Where a player ends his career can greatly influence how he is remembered.

Klay’s move to Dallas could be seen as a misstep, especially if he doesn’t achieve similar success. Loyalty is a double-edged sword in sports. Fans admire it, but careers are short, and players often chase the best opportunity. For Klay, that opportunity may have existed in Los Angeles, not Dallas.

Conclusion: A decision still being written

It’s too early to call Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas a failure. The season is still unfolding, and a lot can change. But the early indicators suggest that this decision is far more complicated than it seemed on paper.

Mychal Thompson’s candid comments add a personal dimension to the narrative, making it clear that even those closest to Klay have doubts. Whether or not this move becomes the biggest mistake of his career remains to be seen—but it’s a storyline that fans and analysts will watch closely as the 2025 season progresses.

In the end, Klay’s decision to reject the Lakers in favor of the Mavericks is a defining chapter in his career. And like all great chapters, it will be judged not just by how it began, but by how it ends.