Ex-Lakers Star Dwight Howard Reacts To Klay Thompson News

Dwight Howard sent out a post on X after Klay Thompson reportedly signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jan 5, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with center Dwight Howard (39) after a pass resulted in a basket and foul in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday afternoon, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Klay Thompson has left the Golden State Warriors (via free agency) to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Thompson had spent his entire 13-year career with Golden State.

Following the news, NBA legend Dwight Howard sent out a post on X.

Howard wrote: "Klay threw a curve ball with that one … I thought it was lakers or spurs for sure"

Klay threw a curve ball with that one … I thought it was lakers or spurs for sure

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) July 1, 2024

Thompson had been heavily linked to the Lakers by many reports.

"I am BAFFLED at the total inability of Rob Pelinka to get anything done, ever."

— @getnickwright reacts to Klay Thompson planning to join the Mavs, and sounds off on the Lakers not acquiring the SG: pic.twitter.com/SpFGI8sggg

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 1, 2024

At this stage of his career, Thompson is no longer a superstar, but he is still a very solid role player.

Last year, the four-time NBA Champion averaged a productive 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from the three-point range in 77 games.

Thompson came off the bench in 14 of those games.

Apr 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) sits on the bench during action against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavs are coming off a year where they reached the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2011 season.

They already have superstars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, so they will not need to rely on Thompson in a significant way.

Jan 29, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

As for Howard, the eight-time NBA All-Star most recently played in the league during the 2021-22 season when he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers (for the third time).

In addition to his time with Los Angeles, he has also played for the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers over 18 years in the NBA.

May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11, left) and center Festus Ezeli (31) during the second quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports