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Lakers' stance on Klay Thompson possibility revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned around Klay Thompson at times, but a move now appears unlikely.

Speaking on the Clutch Scoops podcast, ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly discussed Thompson's uncertain future with the Dallas Mavericks and mentioned the Lakers as one of the teams that had been heard around the veteran guard earlier in the process.

"We've heard teams like the Lakers at times, they're probably out of it now," Azarly said.

Thompson's situation remains one of the more interesting ones on the market.

The veteran guard landed with the Mavericks with the expectation of competing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but Dallas' situation changed dramatically after Doncic was moved to the Lakers and Irving suffered an ACL injury.

Because of that, Thompson's long-term place in Dallas has become unclear.

Mavericks prefer trade over buyout

According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, Thompson has been discussed as a possible buyout candidate, but Dallas does not currently appear interested in letting him go for nothing.

"Klay Thompson, a potential buyout candidate," Siegel said. "We have not heard at any point that Klay Thompson and his reps have approached Dallas for a buyout."

Siegel added that the Mavericks are looking to trade Thompson instead.

"Dallas, though, is looking to trade him," Siegel said. "They don't have interest in buying him out. They don't see value in doing that. They want to get something back for Klay."

The Mavericks reportedly view Thompson as a contract that could help them complete another move.

"They're holding him basically as an inflated trade exception to try to get something for him," Siegel said.

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Heat and Warriors mentioned as possible teams

While the Lakers are now viewed as unlikely, two other teams were mentioned as more realistic names to watch.

Azarly said the Warriors would likely be interested in a reunion with Thompson, while the Miami Heat could use him as a shooter.

"The Warriors, I'm sure, would love to have a reunion," Azarly said. "The Miami Heat, a team that could definitely use his services as a shooter."

Siegel also said Miami looks like a viable landing spot for Thompson, with Nikola Jovic mentioned as a possible salary match in a trade framework.

"It does seem like that the Miami Heat are a viable landing spot," Siegel said. "Again, we mentioned Nikola Jovic as an almost identical salary match for Klay Thompson."

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