Klay Thompson is getting closer to the Lakers: a signing with a lot of talent... and many doubts

Klay Thompson could become a new player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the coming days. Various reports suggest that the veteran guard is very close to reaching a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks, and once he clears the waivers period, his most likely destination would be the Los Angeles franchise. The Lakers also have contracts with which they could consider a trade if they want to get ahead of other suitors, although the buyout option remains preferred.

On paper, the move makes sense. Luka Doncic is one of the best advantage creators in the entire NBA, and few players can better utilize those spaces than one of the greatest shooters in history. However, the potential signing also raises serious doubts. Combining Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Austin Reaves in the same lineup could make the Lakers' defense one of the most vulnerable among title contenders, prompting questions about whether he is truly the piece the franchise needs.

Doncic can revitalize Klay

If there is a player capable of bringing out a final great version of Thompson, it is Luka.

The Slovenian constantly attracts defensive help and generates a huge number of open shots for his teammates. Klay no longer needs to create off the dribble or take on significant offensive responsibilities; his game is based on moving off the ball, receiving, and shooting.

That ecosystem fits perfectly with Doncic. Every drive by the point guard would force defenses to choose between protecting the paint or conceding an open three to one of the most reliable shooters in history.

From an offensive standpoint, the fit seems almost natural.

The major issue lies in the defense

Doubts arise when looking at the other end of the court.

Klay is no longer the exceptional defender he was before his serious injuries. Although he retains experience and tactical intelligence, he has lost a good deal of the lateral mobility that once allowed him to stop the top perimeter stars.

If he shares the line-up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers would feature three players that opponents would constantly look to attack in defensive switches during the playoffs.

That would require the rest of the roster to make a huge effort to compensate for those weaknesses, something challenging even with a great rim protector.

In a Western Conference full of explosive perimeter players, the team's defensive structure could be severely compromised.

The Lakers need a different player profile

The issue is that the main requirement for Los Angeles seems to be pointing in another direction.

The franchise already has enough offensive talent to compete. What it truly needs is to add defensive specialists, physicality on the wings, and, if possible, another genuine star to allow Doncic not to constantly bear the offensive creation burden.

Klay can enhance outside shooting and bring experience, but he does not address any of those major deficiencies.

Therefore, his signing would only make real sense if it comes at a very low cost.

It's worth it only if the financial risk is minimal

That's the key to the whole operation.

If Thompson arrives after a buyout and signs for a very low amount, the Lakers would take on a virtually non-existent risk. In that scenario, adding a veteran with four rings, experience in big games, and the ability to sway a game with his shooting seems like a reasonable bet.

It would be very different to give up significant assets or jeopardize part of the future through a trade.

The Lakers need to maintain flexibility to continue strengthening the roster and look for players to balance the team. Investing too much in Klay would be a mistake, especially when the most pressing needs still lie in defense and in adding a second star to complement Doncic.

An intriguing yet insufficient move

If his arrival is confirmed, Klay Thompson can bring points, leadership, and one of the best shots of all time. Playing alongside Luka Doncic, he would likely enjoy more open shots than at any other time in recent years and could regain part of his offensive peak.

However, it would be a mistake to think that his addition automatically makes the Lakers title contenders. Defense would still be a significant concern, and the roster would still need impactful reinforcements.

Therefore, the potential signing of Klay should be seen as a complement, never as the ultimate solution. If he comes at a low cost, it could be a fantastic market opportunity. If the Lakers have to pay a high price to get him, they would likely be investing resources in a piece that alone does not address the team's structural issues.

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