Klay Thompson is heading to Miami rather than Los Angeles, removing one possible target from the Lakers’ offseason plans.
The veteran guard agreed to leave the Mavericks through a buyout before committing to a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million with the Heat.
Los Angeles had been mentioned as a possible destination for Thompson, whose three-point shooting could have helped a team searching for more offense from the perimeter.
However, the Lakers have other priorities as they continue reshaping the roster around Luka Doncic.
Adding more youth and athleticism on the wing remains a significant need.
Jonathan Kuminga fits that profile and could give Los Angeles another versatile option alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Thompson, meanwhile, is coming off a season in which he averaged 11.7 points and converted 38.3% of his three-point attempts.
His move to Miami gives him another opportunity to compete for a championship, this time alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
There were several connections that could have made Los Angeles an interesting destination.
Thompson grew up in Southern California, admired Kobe Bryant and is the son of former Lakers champion Mychal Thompson.
Those ties ultimately did not lead to a deal.
With Thompson now bound for Miami, the Lakers can direct their attention toward a younger wing who may provide a better long-term fit for their revamped roster.
What Klay Thompson signing with Heat means for Lakers https://t.co/KWKzkC9D18 pic.twitter.com/V75ne9GuxG
— New York Post (@nypost) August 22, 2026
