Klay Thompson's father isn't thrilled about his son's team switch and leaves the door open for the Lakers
Mychal Thompson backs his son's move to Miami but makes it clear he would have preferred to see him in Los Angeles
K lay Thompson 's move to the Miami Heat has received the backing of his father, Mychal Thompson , but the former NBA player has also made no secret of the fact that he would have preferred to see his son wearing the Los Angeles Lakers jersey.
Thompson joined the Heat after spending the first 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors .
The move represented one of the biggest changes of the veteran guard's career after he helped turn Golden State into a championship powerhouse alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green .
For Mychal , however, there is apparently still one destination that would have made the move even better.
"Love it… Great teammates, excellent coaching. Riley’s there to advise him like Jerry West was in Golden State… Only thing that would've been better was if he was with my Lakers," Mychal Thompson wrote on X.
The comment offered an enthusiastic endorsement of Miami while simultaneously keeping the Lakers conversation alive.
Mychal spent the majority of his own playing career with Los Angeles and won two championships with the franchise, making his connection to the organization particularly strong.
Klay's arrival in Miami also gives the veteran an opportunity to begin a new chapter under one of the most respected executives in basketball, Pat Riley.
The Heat president has already made it clear that he believes Thompson can contribute far beyond his reputation as one of the game's greatest shooters.
"Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA," Miami Heat president Pat Riley said.
"A four-time battle-tested world champion who will fit perfectly into his role as an all-around player at both ends of the court. We all talk about his shooting skill, but there is so much more he brings to the game. We are blessed that Klay chose the Heat in our quest to challenge for championships."
Why the Lakers connection remains intriguing
The Lakers angle is particularly interesting because of the history surrounding Klay's family. Mychal's affection for Los Angeles is well established, and Klay has long been linked with the Lakers in speculation because of his Southern California roots.
That does not mean there is an immediate indication that Thompson is planning another move. His commitment to Miami is the important development, and Riley clearly views him as an experienced piece who can help the franchise compete.
The Heat are acquiring far more than a player capable of stretching defenses from three-point range.
Thompson brings championship experience, an extensive understanding of team basketball and the ability to play alongside other stars without needing to dominate the ball.
His career in Golden State also demonstrated his value as a perimeter defender when healthy. Although injuries have changed his role and athletic profile, his shooting remains a significant weapon that can alter how opposing defenses approach Miami.
For Thompson himself, the move offers a chance to escape the familiarity of Golden State and establish himself in a different system.
The Heat's culture and Riley's championship pedigree provide an obvious fit for a player who has spent much of his career competing at the highest level.
Mychal's comments therefore appear to be more affectionate than critical. He has endorsed the decision and praised the people surrounding his son, while joking that his ideal scenario would have involved Klay joining the Lakers .
For now, that possibility remains exactly that, a possibility rather than a developing move. Thompson's immediate future is in Miami, where the Heat will expect the veteran sharpshooter to provide experience, scoring and leadership.
Still, his father's words ensure that Lakers fans have another reason to keep the connection in the back of their minds.
