The Dallas Mavericks reeled in Klay Thompson with a solid sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. However, the buzz around town is the Los Angeles Lakers made a serious push for the veteran guard and we may know the reason why Thompson chose Dallas over LA.

Shocking Details Emerge About Lakers' Failed Klay Thompson Pursuit | National Sports | starlocalmedia.com

Los Angeles reportedly offered Klay Thompson more money than the Mavericks, according to Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews of ESPN. But Thompson was enamored with the Mavericks’ playoff run. Additionally, he wanted a “fresh start” and felt that playing for the Lakers would be too similar to playing for the Warriors.

“The team ultimately was willing to offer Thompson more years and more money than he accepted from Dallas. Sources said [LeBron] James was willing to take less and the Lakers were trying to make trades that would’ve cleared four years and nearly $80 million for Thompson.

“James had several deep conversations with Thompson about the idea of playing together, sources said. But something about playing for the Lakers apparently felt too much like playing for the Warriors. As one source close to him put it, ‘Would this be trading one fishbowl for another?'”

To be fair the situation in Los Angeles isn’t all that different in Golden State. They each have rosters centered around aging superstars while also needing improved depth. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have a relatively young team with two superstar guards, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, in the middle of their prime.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Klay Thompson will likely play with a lesser spotlight in Dallas than he would in LA. Doncic and Irving will work their magic, leaving Thompson free to roam around the perimeter and serve as a high-end shooter in Jason Kidd’s scheme. That sounds like a winning combo no matter how you look at it.

As for the Lakers, they ended up re-signing James to a two-year $104 million contract. It appears to be a losing situation in LA right now as the franchise must now find a way to create more cap space to acquire another star-caliber player to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Most of the top players in free agency are already gone. So the Lakers might have to consider making a trade. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have subtly improved with Klay Thompson joining Dallas. It should be a great fit for the veteran guard, as he can simply stick to his strengths moving forward.

Last season wasn’t the best for Klay Thompson after finishing the year averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He has a real chance to improve on those numbers next season now that he’s with the Mavericks.