A projected starting five showing Klay Thompson alongside Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers has drawn sharp criticism from fans, even as trade speculation around the veteran sharpshooter continues to grow this offseason.
ESPN NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted the hypothetical lineup on X, featuring Doncic, Austin Reaves, Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Walker Kessler. The projection gave supporters their first look at what the Lakers could field if they managed to acquire both Thompson and Kuminga, with the latter the subject of stalled sign-and-trade negotiations involving the Atlanta Hawks.
Thompson’s Situation in Dallas
Thompson is heading into the final year of his three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, carrying a salary of $17.5 million for the 2026-27 season, according to reporting by Christian Clark in The Athletic. Clark noted that Dallas has explored trade scenarios for Thompson but has yet to complete a deal, with multiple rival team sources confirming no agreement is in place.
The Mavericks carry 16 standard contracts and must trim their roster before the season begins, making Thompson’s future one of the key offseason storylines to watch. Clark also reported that Thompson would be open to a move back to Southern California, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home.
The On-Paper Case for the Move
The shooting credentials are real. Thompson has converted 2,899 three-pointers across his career at a 40.9 percent clip, and pairing that range with Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points and 8.3 assists last season, carries obvious appeal on paper. Kuminga averaged 12.5 points per game, and Kessler provides rim protection.
The irony of the situation is not lost on observers. Thompson declined a four-year, $80 million offer from the Lakers in the 2024 offseason specifically to join Doncic in Dallas. Doncic is now in Los Angeles, and Thompson may yet follow.
Fan Reaction Turns Negative
The fan response to Sidery’s projection was largely hostile. On X, several users dismissed the idea outright. One argued Thompson can no longer function as a starter. Another said he has become a specialist shooter and not even an elite one at that. A third raised defensive concerns, suggesting the projected group would rank among the worst defensive starting fives in the league.
Practical obstacles drew attention too. One user pointed out that the Mavericks sit under the second apron and therefore have little financial motivation to buy Thompson out. The Lakers themselves have virtually no cap flexibility, sitting roughly $35.9 million in the negative.
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The Miami Heat have also been mentioned in league circles as a potential destination for Thompson, per Heavy, meaning Los Angeles is not the only interested party even at the speculative stage.
