Could Lakers Sign A Native Son This Summer Amidst Strained Relationship With Current Team?

For as long as anyone can remember, the key to winning with star LeBron James on a team is to surround him with quality three-point shooting and defense. The Los Angeles Lakers haven't quite lived up to this, but they did grab a title out of his time so far.

As the team prepares for the second half of the NBA season, the front office is already looking ahead to the summer. It's their job to prepare for different situations to happen, and the team is aiming to reload this time around.

There have been plenty of reports that suggest Los Angeles is looking to go after a third-star type of player this summer. They still can do that, but there is another player that may be able to be had for less.

That would be guard Klay Thompson, who is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. Many would think that Thompson would never leave the Golden State Warriors after winning four NBA titles with the franchise. But his relationship with the team has taken a bit of a hit, and he is now coming off the bench, as Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area writes.

“I thought about Manu Ginobili,” Thompson said of the longtime San Antonio Spurs Sixth Man who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. “That guy has four rings and a gold medal, and he came off the bench his whole career. And I don't think anyone looks down on his Hall of Fame candidacy because he’s one of the greats."

Per Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area

To his credit, Thompson is handling it perfectly, but he is a professional through and through. If the Warriors aren't open to re-signing him, Thompson could find himself wearing the purple and gold.

The 6'6" swingman is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season. He is shooting 37.3% from beyond the arch, but he is still as lethal as anyone in the NBA.

His dad, Mychal, played for the Lakers in the 1980s, helping the team win two titles. He now works as the Lakers radio color commentator, so the appeal to join the Lakers is there for Thompson.

He would fit in alongside Anthony Davis and James well due to his three-point shooting ability. While he isn't the same player he once was, Thompson could bring value to this team.

The veteran guard would also likely be energized to suit up for his hometown team. This could end up being a potential option for Los Angeles and one that would likely improve the team.