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LeBron James Actively Recruiting Star Free Agent to Lakers

By Joe Summers

Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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LeBron James isn't shy about his desire for the Lakers to add a major piece in free agency after a disappointing end to the season. He's staying busy in his pursuit of a championship, reportedly actively recruiting Klay Thompson to join him in Los Angeles.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, James texted Thompson at 6:00 PM ET on Sunday as soon as the NBA's free agency period officially opened. James clearly wants the four-time NBA champion firing three-pointers alongside him and the Lakers are considered one of the favorites to land Thompson's services.

Rob Pelinka wants to invest in the backcourt, having already signed Max Christie to a four-year deal, and Thompson would give the Lakers a dynamite shooter to space the floor.

LeBron James Actively Recruiting Klay Thompson in Free Agency

Thompson's days as a Golden State Warrior are over, paving the way for him to join another contender like Los Angeles. Despite the public acknowledgment that Thompson's skills aren't what they used to be, he still has plenty of value.

He shot 38.7% from beyond the arc in 2023-24 on nine attempts per game. The Lakers ranked dead last in three-point attempts last year (31.1 per game), with only D'Angelo Russell averaging more than five three-point shots a contest.

They need an influx of shooting, though that need is exacerbated if the team moves on from Russell. This is a fit that makes perfect sense, with Thompson providing Los Angeles exactly what they're missing while getting a clear role as a starter.

With the Western Conference gearing up, the Lakers can't afford to miss out on free agents like Thompson. They might not get a massive fish like Paul George, though shrewd decision-making over the next couple of weeks will put Los Angeles in a position to make a playoff run next season.

The organization can ill-afford to enter next year without improving perimeter shooting. For the Lakers' sakes, here's hoping James' recruitment efforts are successful.

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