Lakers News: LeBron James 'Hopeful' LA Can Land Klay Thompson Over West Rival

Could LA make a splash?

Apr 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) follows through on a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA offseason is heating up, and to no one's surprise, the Los Angeles Lakers are in the thick of things. This time, it involves four-time NBA champion and sharpshooter, Klay Thompson.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers and superstar LeBron James are hopeful L.A. could land Thompson in free agency.

As we've been reporting for 24-plus hours: Klay Thompson's departure from the Golden State Warriors looks increasingly imminent ... with LeBron James hopeful, per league sources today, that the Lakers can mount a bid to challenge Dallas.

Friday's story: https://t.co/DWazVDdDH0 https://t.co/EMl6EssNh0

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2024

The Lakers are one of three teams interested in the veteran, along with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson's time in the Bay Area is likely to end, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Warriors "are preparing to lose" him this summer.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire career with the Warriors and was a part of one of the greatest and most dynamic teams in NBA history. The Lakers plan to be aggressive this offseason and are willing to make a bid for the free agent.

The Lakers championship window is marginal, but it still exists as they have James (assuming he signs back) and fellow superstar Anthony Davis on their roster. Thompson will indeed provide a boost to the roster, including shooting and some defense. While he isn't the same player he was before his significant lower body injuries, he could take the purple and gold to the level they want to reach.

The race for Thompson will be a tight one. We'll see if the Lakers can come out victorious.

More Lakers: LeBron James Makes Surprising Decision on Player Option