Klay Thompson’s Father Disappointed Son Didn’t Join Lakers: ‘I Pitched Them Hard, He’s a Kobe Fan’

July 3 update: Former Los Angeles Lakers star Mychal Thompson is not overly thrilled about his son Klay Thompson signing with the Dallas Mavericks. “I’m not in a congratulatory mood right now,” Thompson said in an interview earlier today.

Yesterday, Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks. Sources indicate that the Lakers were highly appealing to Thompson, but the financial savings from living in Texas compared to California, along with the Mavs’ closer proximity to an NBA title, factored into his decision.

“Listen, this is Klay’s decision, it’s his life,” Mychal Thompson said on his radio show. “He’s 34 years old, just like we were at 34. Our fathers gave us advice, and we still made our own choices, and that’s great, that’s what life’s all about.”

“… But I’m really disappointed; I wanted him to be a Laker. It was so close. It came down to the Lakers or the Mavericks, and the Mavs won out. But you know me, I would’ve loved for him to end his career with the Lakers.”

Thompson Sr. played for the Lakers from 1987 to 1991, winning two NBA championships during that time.

“When he told me the Lakers were interested, or going to be interested, I did pitch them hard,” Thompson Sr. said. “That’s my job, and I felt it was the right thing to do because I have such trust in the organization.”

“The Lakers have been good to me and my family, including Klay. He grew up a Laker fan. He idolized Kobe like most young players, most kids of his age. So it seemed like the perfect fit to have him come back home.”

Thompson won four NBA titles in his 13 seasons with the Warriors, although his role fluctuated last season, including a stint coming off the bench in late February.

He averaged 17.9 points per game last season, his lowest since the 2012-13 campaign.

“We’ve always talked about him being a Laker,” Thompson Sr. said. “If he wasn’t going to be a Warrior, where else would he want to play? Of course, being a Kobe fan, he’d love to play for the Lakers.

“And when the opportunity came, he chose the Mavericks. I’ll live with that. I’m happy for him because he’s happy with his decision. But yes, I still would’ve loved to see him in purple and gold.”