Klay Thompson Names Lakers Greats in All-Time Lineup
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The past week in Los Angeles has been anything but ordinary. The Lakers, a franchise accustomed to headline-grabbing moves, found themselves at the center of a seismic transaction: team owner Mark Walter, who had acquired the club just 14 months earlier, sold the team to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for a staggering $12.5 billion. The deal, which caught the league off guard, immediately sidelined other storylines, including the Lakers' reported interest in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson. But as the initial shock fades and details of the new ownership emerge, basketball talk is slowly returning to the forefront.
One of the more engaging conversations involved Thompson himself. In a recent interview, the future Hall of Famer was asked to name his all-time starting five, a popular exercise among NBA stars. His list, shared by Hoop Central on August 14, 2026, included Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal. The inclusion of Curry over Magic Johnson is the most notable choice, but it’s hardly surprising given Thompson spent his entire prime winning four titles alongside the greatest shooter in history. For many, the rest of the selections are standard: Bryant and James represent the Lakers’ legacy, Duncan brings defensive excellence, and O’Neal provides unmatched dominance in the paint. The lineup reflects a blend of Thompson’s personal experience and basketball reverence.
Beyond the hypothetical lineup, Thompson’s real-world situation is growing increasingly tense. In the same interview with PlaqueBoyMax, the 14-year veteran made it clear he wants to compete for a championship, a goal that seems unlikely with the Mavericks’ current trajectory, especially with rookie Cooper Flagg and the team’s rebuilding phase expected for the 2026-27 season. Rumors have swirled that Dallas is more interested in trading Thompson than keeping him, with the Lakers and Miami Heat emerging as potential suitors. The veteran guard’s time in Dallas appears to be nearing its end, whether through a trade or a buyout.
Adding fuel to the fire is Thompson’s father, two-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson. The elder Thompson, who played for the Lakers in the 1980s, has been openly lobbying for his son to join the purple and gold. In a social media post on August 6, 2026, reposted by Legion Hoops, Mychal wrote, “I’m TRYING…😡” in response to a fan question about recruiting Klay to Los Angeles. With the Lakers’ ownership shift still settling, the possibility of a Thompson-Lakers reunion remains tantalizing but uncertain. For now, the basketball world watches closely, wondering if Klay Thompson will soon don a different uniform—and if that uniform will be the iconic gold and purple.
Article commentary
Klay Thompson’s all-time starting five is a revealing snapshot of how today’s players view greatness. By placing Stephen Curry over Magic Johnson, Thompson signals a generational shift in basketball philosophy. Curry’s impact on the game—revolutionizing three-point shooting and spacing—has made him a fixture in these conversations, especially among players who grew up idolizing him. Thompson’s loyalty to his teammate is understandable, but it also raises a question: does the all-time starting five reflect objective greatness or personal connection? The inclusion of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal is less controversial, each representing a distinct archetype of success. Yet the omission of legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, or Larry Bird highlights how these lists are inherently subjective, shaped by era and experience. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ ownership change introduces a new variable in the team’s pursuit of Thompson. Mark Walter’s brief tenure was marked by aggressive spending, but the sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner signals a potential shift in strategy. Iger, a longtime Disney executive, brings media savvy, while Kushner, a venture capitalist, offers financial acumen. However, the $12.5 billion price tag sets a new benchmark for franchise valuations, putting pressure on the new owners to deliver results quickly. The Lakers’ reported interest in Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga suggests they are still in win-now mode, but the front office’s stability under new leadership remains to be seen. Mychal Thompson’s public lobbying adds a personal, almost nostalgic layer to the story. The elder Thompson was a key part of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, and seeing his son finish his career in Los Angeles would be a fitting narrative. Yet Klay’s desire to play for a title contender complicates matters. The Mavericks’ direction is uncertain, especially with a young core that may not be ready to contend next season. A trade to the Lakers would give Thompson a chance to chase another ring alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the Lakers’ cap situation and trade assets could make a deal challenging. The Heat also present a compelling option, with a winning culture and a need for shooting. Ultimately, Thompson’s future hinges on his priorities. If he values championship contention above all, a move to Los Angeles or Miami makes sense. If he prefers stability and legacy, staying in Dallas might still be viable. The coming weeks, as the new Lakers ownership settles and trade talks heat up, will determine whether Thompson’s all-time starting five ever becomes a reality on the court.