Dinwiddie signing shows Mavericks have schooled Lakers 3 times in a row

2. Klay Thompson turns down big offer from Lakers to join Mavericks

Before the offseason began, the Dallas Mavericks' biggest priority was to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr.

Jones Jr. was the starting wing for the Mavs throughout the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and his elevated play on both ends of the floor helped propel Dallas to the NBA Finals. While keeping Jones Jr. was a big priority for the team, it quickly shifted to landing Klay Thompson.

Dallas had been a rumored suitor for Klay Thompson since April, and his decision came down to the Mavs and the Los Angeles Lakers. He could either stay in California and team up with LeBron James or come to Dallas for a fresh start.

Despite a much bigger contract offer from the Lakers, Thompson signed with the Mavs for less years and less money than Los Angeles' rumored offer of four years and $80 million.

Dallas beating out the Lakers for Thompson was huge for them, as it gave them their guaranteed new starting small forward and much-needed shooting. The Mavs were looking to add shooting this offseason, and they signed one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game in Thompson.

Thompson chose the Mavs over the Lakers despite living in California for nearly his entire life, and he can't wait to get to work. He is locked in on winning his fifth ring, and the fact that he thought Dallas gave him a better opportunity to do that than Los Angeles shows how great of a job Nico Harrison has done of building this team.