Klay jokes about his father’s ‘selfish’ preference for the Lakers in free agency

Klay jokes about his father’s ‘selfish’ preference for the Lakers in free agency originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area

On his free agency decision, Klay Thompson allegedly reduced his options reduced to two teams: Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

His father, Mychal Thompson, had a pretty clear preference as a longtime Lakers player and broadcaster. So when Klay chose the Mavericks, his father was understandably dissatisfied.

During Klay’s introductory press conference Tuesday in Dallas, he discussed his father’s reaction to the NBA’s free agency decision.

“Yes, my father was disappointed. I haven’t really talked to him much about it,” the younger Thompson told reporters. “At the end of the day, he was happy for me.”

It doesn’t seem like Mychal had much in his son’s ear, but Klay definitely knew where his father stood on the matter.

“He was a little selfish in his business interests because he wanted me to be home with the family,” Klay joked. “I was like, ‘Dad, I’ve been in California my whole life. I was able to try something new.’ “

Although a light-hearted anecdote, this quote provides important insight into the progress of Thompson’s decision-making. It is clear that a the change of scenery was fundamental as he picked his next team.

“He understands and he’s really excited for me,” Thompson commented more seriously about his father’s reaction. “He thinks we have a great chance to do something special here, not just this year, but for many years to come. So he agreed when the dust settled and realized it really was a perfect fit.”

In the end, it appears that Klay convinced his father that he made the right decision. But Mychal — and many other Lakers fans — probably can’t help but wonder if Thompson followed in his father’s footsteps to Los Angeles.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast