5 Key reasons Klay Thompson boldly signed with Mavericks over Lakers

4. Best chance of winning his fifth ring with the Mavericks

A part of the Golden State Warriors fan base is a bit exasperated about Klay Thompson, calling him a diva. There are even rumors that his antics have become exhausting to the point that it has gotten Draymond Green comparisons. People seem to think that Thompson decided to leave Golden State after feeling lowballed in contract extension negotiations.

However, signing with the Dallas Mavericks appears to reject that notion because he could have gotten a more lucrative and lengthier deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. For the 34-year-old guard, it wasn't about the money but more about sensing that he was being disrespected by the Warriors' top brass.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), Thompson also felt Dallas presented Thompson with "his best chance to win a fifth title." Seeing him think that way isn't surprising, given that the squad was three victories away from clinching the 2024 championship. On the other hand, the Lakers got bounced in the first round and seem to always be in a state of flux.

The Mavs fell way short against the Boston Celtics because of their inefficient perimeter shooting. Their perimeter defense also got exposed, allowing the Celtics' stars to have their way in the Finals.

Thompson is expected to help in those departments. He may be past his prime and several years removed from recovering from devastating injuries, but he still clearly has enough gas left in his tank.