The Mavs offered a CLEARER PATH for Klay Thompson than the Lakers - Brian Windhorst | First Take

[@datsapaddlin6255]

They got the Summer League team running the show rn

[@cb4gusto744]

I hate it 😩

[@rari1055]

Lmao bro u can see chantel?(is that her name) struggling to read off a script.

[@fugazy2656]

Good tired of SA TALKING NONSENSE

[@AK-fu1ge]

@@rari1055christine 😂

[@rdot1447]

Way better than the main cast

[@WhipLashOG]

1. He left for a clear starting position, and not be second to podz 2. No state income tax 3. He wanted a 3+ year deal 4. Chance for a 5th ring

[@lamontwilliams115]

Now this is the best analysis given. Everyone always want drama, but these players are about that dollar. I lived in Texas for a time and no income tax is a beautiful thing. People forget it's a job, not a popularity contest.

[@mr.anderson3694]

I think #4 was the clear-cut reason.

[@Steven-lb4bl]

Dream on. No ring for the Mavs. Let’s go Celtics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ngualw]

Wemby $80 is more than $50 😅

[@I.am_Groot]

Not sure Klay will be starting but he def took less money to play for a better team

[@realocwon3256]

Na why i deadass thought windy went bald 😂

[@donclarity]

bruh I thought I was the only one 🤣🤣 my eyes adjusted

[@crisswalker349]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂yoooooo

[@vivek_shenoy]

Same here. 😅

[@KangCoop330]

😂

[@nickfullen-collins7223]

😂😂😂😂

[@karsonrivers9880]

Mavs problem in the finals was not defense at all yeah there was blow bys but that was fine they held them to enough points to win it was offense that didn’t show up. Klay addresses that pretty self explanatory good trade.

[@MadMan-vs2mc]

Nah they struggled on offense also. If they had more scorers the. They could have atkeast kept the games close with the Celtics.

[@maxmeier532]

classic error on your part. The Celtics had the experience of the last 5 years where they had very deep runs. Celtics knew exactly how to pace the game. They always just did what's necessary, not more. Whenever Mavs got close, Celtics put their foot down. Tatum was completely selfless and had a huge impact. Everyone did what was necessary. I dont like Boston at all, but they had the Mavs under controll at all times. Even when they lost the one game by blowout. They knew what's happening, that this was the one game the Mavs are going to put in all they have left in the tank to not get swept, and the Celtics accepted it, didnt waste energy and moved on to finish the Mavs at the Garden. It was a chess game against someone who plays for the first time.

[@karsonrivers9880]

@@maxmeier532 agreed that’s not refuting my point lol they still needed offense and got it

[@AndrewL31413]

I think Luka having to carry the offense caused a lot of defensive problems. It’s not easy to play both ends when you are the only guy on offense that’s keeping them in the game.

[@JjjNas-mj8ke]

They still wouldn't of beat the Celtics with klay lol. And definitely wouldn't of beat the Celtics with klay and a healthy porzingas

[@wook1990]

Chris Carlin is Paul Heyman's long lost brother.

[@tayyabiqbal1624]

More like butter bean

[@oretroloonyo]

@@tayyabiqbal1624both of em

[@mustafayusuf2643]

Ya know, he does sound just like him.

[@yarapah]

They sound a lot alike too

[@Bdot1588]

Yes my tribal chief

[@iTuber012]

There's a life lesson here ladies and gentlemen... Go where you will be celebrated and not merely tolerated

[@maxmeier532]

It's gonna be a rude awakening for Klay. He talked a big game for 2 years and couldnt deliver.

[@briyo1]

@@maxmeier5322022 champ? After an Achilles and knee injury.

[@LukaPG15]

@@maxmeier532warriors won the championship in 2022. Last time I checked he was on that team. A change of scenery sometimes is what’s best for a person and I have no doubt Klay will feel rejuvenated in Dallas playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić.

[@SeleneAmara]

facts !!! goo where people care about you indeed

[@packers12to80]

Yall act like the warriors hate Klay ....he isn't a starter no more. Just the facts. I'm sorry. He is getting older and due to injuries....it really caught up to him.

[@therealmvp232]

Klay didn’t want to become this years scapegoat.

[@FillyouupSplash]

He's old it wouldn't matter

[@therealmvp232]

@@FillyouupSplash he knows he will blamed .

[@maxmeier532]

@@therealmvp232 it aint blame, it's accountability. this is a man's league, there are no participation trophies. These mfers make millions, per MONTH.

[@therealmvp232]

@@maxmeier532 and anytime cavs lost, heat lost, lakers lost, it was everyone else’s fault.

[@Dollaupt]

⁠@@therealmvp232the difference is those cavs & heat teams was good how can you have a scapegoat if the lakers suck ?

[@4thsantacruz804]

As a warrior fan since 91 I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU KLAY WARRIORS 4 LIFE 🌁 CONTINUE TO SHINE AS A MAVERICK

[@yourmomshouse8993]

You guys stole him the guy was a born Laker

[@bigcockedman714]

good run bud.. should of cut the donkey

[@DevizeFn]

Why is King Pin on espn

[@eatmakock3646]

Espn needa these guys on ozempic 😂

[@Sickowolf]

😂😂😂😂

[@kcmerollintheyhatin2599]

1:01 - they said luka struggled, but also said he led the league in nearly all stats in the post season sounds like he did better than literally everyone else individually, just needed the rest of his team to show up a lil more

[@flowgotv4790]

because they are RACIST

[@thesupremekai1980s]

He struggled with efficiency in the parts of the playoffs and or the finals finals and his assists went down in the finals because his teammates didn't execute.

[@gregoryemeagwara5933]

No excuses for Mavs not to return to the NBA Finals 💯🏀

[@Brsrafal]

She really blames Luca for the loss no one hit shot kyrie choked

[@snupedummy]

Luka the captain of the ship it happened to lebron every time tell Luka get use to it

[@djkido316]

Because Luka is of specific skin tone when in reality without Luka they wouldn't even made the playoffs let alone NBA finals lol.

[@fugazy2656]

It’s luka team

[@IGE5923]

The craziest part is everyone shot horrible from 3 JB, Tatum , Kyrie and Luka. Luka averaged the most ppg out of everyone but losers don’t get rewarded.

[@Brsrafal]

@@snupedummy Caitlin Clark! Female Luca

[@ikiwheese]

This benefits Luka heavily. If they keep doubling or tripling Luka this leaves Klay wide open. Same with Kyrie. They gotta shore up the defensive end for sure or they still won't win. If they can figure that out. They have a really good shot at getting back to the finals and maybe winning.

[@65fordmustange]

2019 season the bubble year Lakers finish 1st seed in playoff get this guy off the air 😅

[@tmsgamingmane4380]

Nope he's right Lakers been in the play in every year and very low seeds. Unless u count the summer camp championship.

[@65fordmustange]

The bubble season was down to basics basketball. Even playing field no advantage for having best record in the west going into playoff

[@Aslavetofreedom]

Why go to the lakers with lebron and Bronny and be blamed when u don’t hit your shots while still guarding the best player on the other team no one wants to play with lebron I bet most of his teammates don’t even want to be around the guy

[@ghostin5699]

0-10 when it mattered.. i feel bad for the mavs organization.. i love luka man but hope this doesn't tarnish his chances

[@melanatedgod5337]

He won't go 0-10 with Dallas. He was the 2nd option in Dallas, he'll be the third in Dallas. Plus all the attention Luka and Kyrie garner, he'll be fine.

[@maxmeier532]

@@melanatedgod5337 no he wont. klay has a big ego. that's why he had to leave the Dubs.

[@melanatedgod5337]

​@@maxmeier532you figure his ego is big because of the media. He'll be fine in Dallas. Just watch.

[@mrspiff6955]

These salty warriors fans are still at it 😄

[@destroiz]

Dallas won games when THJ or the role players would go 0-10, even when the team misses their shots they’ve found other ways to win the games, good teams have multiple ways of winning, the team ranked as an average 3 point shooting team but when you have Luka and Kyrie (2 of the best shooters in the league) that’s tells you how much they needed more shooting from the rest of the team

[@patsr11]

I don’t blame Clay. I wouldn’t want to be coached by JJ Reddick either a unproven, but he still got the job.

[@willydynamite9806]

You know Kerr was unproven when he took the job right? Just an FYI

[@qflxx1112]

Who’s clay?

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

@@qflxx1112 one half of the splash brothers, the other one is Stevon Kurry

[@FillyouupSplash]

He blew your a$$ off the stage with the coach Kerr comment 😅😅....you chumps seriously need to research before you make idiot comments 😢

[@lesterobryant55]

Kerr also inherited a proven 50+ win team that Mark Jackson put together

[@fernandocousins1611]

Butttaabeannnn Welcome to espn brother !

[@Zillamike21]

😂

[@WhoIsQuann23]

How tf I’m watching first take and I don’t see Stephen A or Shannon sharpe

[@gopackgo2507]

It happens very regularly crackie

[@worldwidewally1134]

The season is over. They’re on vacation.

[@hairlokk8672]

Ye, like first time its a fact driven show and not crack indused halucinations by shannon and sas. Best would be if those 2 never talked bball again

[@mannyrangel5803]

Don't watch you dam cry baby

[@gopackgo2507]

@@hairlokk8672 Kind of like how you should stay away from larger words, it doesn't not work.

[@SWHunte401]

Booooo where’s Stephen A and Shannon this is boring

[@waynehenry42]

Vacation

[@supernotnatural]

windy is good

[@JustinChristopher-ov7gw]

It's called 4th of July dummy. The stars get that vacation leave,.

[@carlosianaasis7345]

Without Perkins ESPN is not ESPNing

[@mftfia2182]

Because he watched what the Lakers did to Russ Westbrook. NBA big names are avoiding playing at the Lakers and I hope they continue to do that.

[@kevinlove8066]

No state taxes stupid

[@rubikino7569]

Or Maybe He 's Afraid to Go O-10 When He's Neede The Most ... There would Be More Pressure From The Lakers Fans .

[@dbutta2496]

@@rubikino7569stop talking sound dumb

[@mannyrangel5803]

Nobody wants any part of that circus lebron has created with the lakers😂​@@rubikino7569

[@madea1012]

@@rubikino7569Or, he’s afraid of an incompetent front office, first time head coach, and no coaching staff

[@alejandrohernandez-bb7ct]

wow chiney is really well spoken . i dont watch much besides inside the nba, mostly cause not everyone has content i care for, but chiney is solid commentating. needs more time on the air

[@dandemaree7081]

Chiney's burner account trying to fool us😂😂😂😂

[@Docfly62]

@@dandemaree7081 Boy you are slow

[@ChristoAnd]

@@dandemaree7081Nah she’s a very well spoken analyst, and very charming tbh. She’s made for this job and she’s been like this from the beginning and only gotten better. Quite the natural for TV

[@furstfr]

And she got the gyaatttt

[@Dwbulldog04]

The defense should be a concern. Klay can’t stay in front of people but isn’t physical enough to defend the post. If he isn’t scoring he is a major liability

[@snupedummy]

Let’s be real if they did bring a lock down defender in it doesn’t make them better they mines well load up they offense and get someone like klay who can let Luka and kyrie cook

[@LazarNevski]

As a Warriors fan, I’m glad he’s gone. The Achilles tear unfortunately made him a liability for good.

[@WilfredJones-h1m]

They lost there best wing defender in jones... Luka, Irving and klay thats a horrible defensive lineup

[@Salute51_6]

@@LazarNevski gave you 4 rings and thats how you treat him. spoiled and ungrateful fans. Curry NEVER won a ring without klay

[@js1241]

@@LazarNevskiof course his defense was down but nobody’s been more of a overrated player and major liability like “triple single” .. man cost you a chip even 😂

[@peterparker2981]

Mavs getting a guy that has won more 💍 than 10 teams combined is truly the STEAL of the offseason

[@abdullahshabazz38]

Peter Griffen spitten facts 😎

[@MrJustinMN]

Discounting the laker chips are not facts, mans never played sports in his life lmao and its apparent

[@abdullahshabazz38]

@MrJustinMN but he never said they never had them lol but I definitely get what you mean

[@ctg404]

😅😅

[@frostedflakes55]

Too accurate 😂

[@DOUBLECW]

He wasn't spitting facts. He was just hating. He said the Lakers weren't above a 5 seed in 12 years. The Lakers were the #1 seed before the league closed because of COVID. If any other team had won that championship in 2020, they would celebrate it just like any other. Why would you discount it? Were some teams not allowed to play? No. Were there special rules that only helped the Lakers? No. Did everybody know the rules and conditions and situation before play started. Yes. When was the last time Dallas actually won a championship? Over 15 years ago? The Lakers have 3 since then (and no that doesn't include the In Season Tournament). Dallas is no guarantee to get back to the finals. Just like Denver, Phoenix, Golden State, and the Lakers haven't been back to the finals since they were last there. In fact, no team in the West as even made the conference finals in back to back years since GSW in 2018.

[@KingInTraining]

Klay just needs to take a step back offensively like Ray Allen did from Boston to Miami. His green light was crazy on GS he took a lot of tough shots that he was good enough at one point to validate taking but he’s not quite the same in the legs so he just has to adjust his shot selection a little bit and he can still be a mid 40s 3 pt shooter

[@QuindariusMyers]

That's what I'm saying take a page outta of Ray Allen playbook and follow thru idk if he'll do it but he will be more happy and comfortable js

[@maxmeier532]

Ray Allen was waaay better when he was at Miami compared to Klay now. Also Allen didnt have that big ego that would be in his way. And you are completely delusional that Klay could be a mid 40 3pt shooter. DELUSIONAL. The only time Klay would be over 40 on average would be a the 3pt shooting contest.

[@KingInTraining]

@@maxmeier532 everything you said woulda made sense on Opposite Day

[@91thompson71]

How tf does Dallas get to the finals get better in the off season and their “one step closer to true contention” get this girl tf outta my face bro

[@binkybink3918]

Bro I SWEAR

[@Raul1088]

They never give mavs credit at anything

[@aaronlewis3498]

The finals was not close

[@jasonafrifa1418]

@@Raul1088NEVER give us Mavs any credit. Always counted us out smh espn kills me

[@melanatedgod5337]

Exactly.

[@Dr._Wan___PharmD]

If Klay plays like he performed recently, the Mavs are still chasing the Celtics.

[@NoobGamer-di1dw]

Klay has been awful recently so this move does nothing really if he doesn’t get back to how he was it’s almost the same as Tim hardaway jr with how he’s been lately on the playoffs. He’s just not been the same guy since the ACL injury. It happens a lot. He’s still one of the best shooters cause of what he did in the past, but he isn’t that guy anymore.

[@McYT1991]

I can sense you’re a Boston fan. Klay is in a different team now alleviating the pressure of being a 2nd scorer in GSW. We’ll see where this goes 😂😂😂

[@theotherguy2675]

@@NoobGamer-di1dwyeah thats because he already checked out with gsw. he wont have those distractions in dallas + he just has to make open shots and stay around 38% from the 3 like last season. a change of scenery can make all the difference.

[@queque5606]

Trust me DJJ defense wasn’t what only got Dallas to the finals. It was the TEAM TOGETHER’s defense. Lively being on the court makes their defensive rating go up. Jones didn’t have anything offensively but run towards the rim or have an open shot and sometimes a lob but it wasn’t enough.

[@Phatty-dp5fi]

Y would he go to the lakers when he have four rings and lebron have four rings? Bro wants that number five and y would he help Lebrons legacy?

[@lilpronto3627]

It puts them much closer to a title? How closer can they get? The west is going to be tuff and if the lakers get derozan the west will really be super unpredictable

[@maxmeier532]

You're right, they cant get closer, they got smoked by the Celtics. And while Mavs make lateral moves, OKC just got a lot better and the Nuggets will make a move 100% too. Only way Luka ever wins a ring if he leaves Dallas.

[@iTuber012]

Why play with LeBron and get scapegoated

[@FillyouupSplash]

LeBron lives rent free in your head 😂

[@JT-vk9jq]

Apparently people feel like someone who shot 0/12 in a must-win game is gonna be the cure to the Mavs' lack of shooting.

[@denniszenanywhere]

This! I don't know how Klay can still shoot after those injuries -- which can affect upper body strength needed to make shots.

[@theotherguy2675]

klay had distractions all year and was already checked out with gsw. even then he still shot 38% from the 3pt line. now he just has to play basketball in dallas and will be more respected and appreciated. sometimes people just need a change of scenery.

[@denniszenanywhere]

@@theotherguy2675 I really hope so but I think he's at the tail-end of his career. He's like Ray Allen in his last years at Miami. Can may be make 12 to 15 pts a game. He'd be a good 3rd option for Dallas, no longer second option.

[@theotherguy2675]

@@denniszenanywhere everybody knows that klay is past his prime. jkidd isnt going to ask him to be what he was. he just has to catch and shoot. thats it. luka will make those happen for him. he doesnt have to be a shot-creator in dallas which is why this is a great fit for him.

[@denniszenanywhere]

@@theotherguy2675 He has always been a catch and shoot player. He was never a shot creator.

[@Mr-uo4tj]

Kyrie did not show up in the finals, that is why Dallas lost....be factual

[@HookahDoncic98]

Well he recruited his buddy Klay so we can offset any struggles from either Luka or Kyrie. It’s a smart move

[@Dropped40onyourteam]

Smart move he saw the future... the one time he goes 0/5 from 3 he's trending number one on Twitter the fake Laker LeBron fans would have crucified him 🤣🤣🤣

[@snupedummy]

Luka fans no better bro or any superstar fan base

[@Clamp_TV]

This trade doesn’t get the Mavs any more closer to a championship. Good for Klay though he got a bag!

[@GuyPearce217]

It gets them closer stop the cap lmao.

[@Mind-Love-Self]

Lol fs buddy. Whatever helps you cope

[@MojoJM]

So many people with terrible takes on this move, including Clamp here.

[@MangoTroubles-007]

It's better than going to that dumpster fire that is the Lakers It absolutely makes the Mavs better

[@sonicherbs1705]

2 year 48mil vs 3 year 50 mil. he got no bag, he actually got less lol

[@daveyjohnn]

led the post season in points, rebounds and assists and considered ‘struggling’ is wild 😅

[@antifaschi7869]

Luka is hold to a higher standard.

[@CALI_BOY_VLOGS]

Good choice klay. Ima die hard warriors fan but i will pull for klays personal success. Cant wait til we retire ur jersey #11

[@SSJRome]

They got windy on the monitor and future windy in studio lol

[@klephenthurry3284]

I will be rooting for the Mavericks other than my Warriors

[@DaNewWaveLee]

All of what the Mavs gave up equals what they gained with Klay. They going to need some other pieces.

[@HookahDoncic98]

They didn’t give up shyt to get Klay. Really low IQ hater

[@MrMDMPOfficial]

They got them. It's crazy nobody knew Jones Jr before the Mavs, but now people think they can't find other players 😂😂 Marshall and Grimes replace Jones Jr and Green just fine

[@CJ_Foy]

They've added Grimes and Marshall

[@DaNewWaveLee]

@@MrMDMPOfficial yeah but they got smacked in the finals and you leaving out Hardaway who was cooking this year.

[@adergas1]

@@DaNewWaveLee Lol

[@ArtistGoodLefty]

Mavs are winning this coming season and next. 2026 is year of the horse. They're a lock for 2026 but they'll definitely be back In the finals next season

[@romanewilliams9563]

Remember Klay caught and shot 0-10 in an elimination game. Is Klay the answer for the Mavs? Klay would also suffer in LA.

[@freddygaulman5493]

Its ok LA, you can always rely on Bronny😂😂😂

[@johnnier.o.d4746]

facts .... bcuz coach lebron & his top assistant jj redick will let him play 30 minutes per game,let him ball hog as much as he wants & let him shoot 30 shots per game to make sure, he'll average 20 points per game & win rookie of the year .... 😂🤣😂🤣-😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@lIDeezylI]

People really think klay is a life changer for the mavs who play iso ball and he just finna shoot last second shots in the corner 😂😂😂

[@ekwejohnson6965]

It was all about the taxes.

[@ThinCrustPizzzza]

Not really

[@T-HaynesTv]

It really was. Plus the dude lived in Cali his whole life. Why not go to Texas and get all of his money

[@ericthomas6086]

Property taxes are double in Texas what they are in Cali. Plus, still gotta pay Uncle Sam his 37%. If taxes were a concern, he wouldn't have stayed in Golden State for 13 seasons.

[@ThinCrustPizzzza]

@@ericthomas6086 Not true at all.

[@pistonsttv4184]

​@ericthomas6086 the state has no property taxes. It goes by county. So depending where he buys to live, determines his % of property taxes. And California had 7.25% state taxes. Which means every check is taxed compared to property taxes that are once a year (which he would have had to pay in Cali still)

[@562LA2THEBAY]

I don’t wana hear about Klay being the best catch and shoot over the last ten seasons. Tell us about his last 3-4 seasons.

[@jegca]

Klay Thompson went on the open market as an unrestricted free agent and the market decided that he was only worth 3/50 (or 2/48 that the warriors had offered him)... all the other teams that had cap space didn't go for him... yet people expect the warriors to pay him a massive long term contract for past performance, just because of the great memories over the past 13 years.... smh...

[@MrE_]

The only people expecting the warriors to pay him are Klay and his agent themselves

[@I.am_Groot]

Klay took a path that puts him on a winning team. Money wasn't the goal he was getting paid either way

[@10chavarria10]

So why does draymond get the bag and not klay ? Especially with how dray is with all the suspensions q

[@EddiePReacts]

Yes. He helped make yall a dynasty. You reward tht. Kobe was terrible has last few years and the was making 30 mil which made him one of the highest paid players in the league at tht point

[@momonie4]

@@EddiePReacts BUT HE'S KOBE & THE BUSSES TRULY LOVED HIM!!!!

[@stephanieoglageomurray9854]

The lakers are gonna be a clown show starring lebron James and bronny who can’t shoot 😊

[@Ballin-97]

The Mavs will be seen as elite title contenders and the clear favorites in the West. With a gravitational floor spacing shooter like Klay, Kyrie and Luka will have more space to dominate until it’s an elimination game and Klay shoots 0/10 and the Mavs implode

[@Nostalgia9478]

"Clear favorite" when Denver, OKC, and Minny all lLITERALLY have better betting odds to come out of the West than the MID Mavs Make it make sense lol

[@gattiMMA]

​@@Nostalgia9478elimed in 5 and 6 😂

[@Ballin-97]

@@Nostalgia9478 But I agree with you

[@kitkarakyle2353]

Dude who’s their defender ? Luka? Kyrie? Klay?

[@snupedummy]

@@kitkarakyle2353 who was they’re defender last season lemme guess Derrick jones ? In reality he can’t contain no superstar or hit threes consistently so mines well get a magnet who can spread the floor

[@rahulsinha6862]

Keep these guys on. Good, sober analysis. No histrionics or hyperbole. No SAS talking about clothes for half the segment

[@johnpearson6245]

You can’t be the most dominant player in the league if you don’t play any defense. You don’t have to make the NBA all defensive team but you do have to make an effort to defend.

[@hairlokk8672]

Who we talking about here? Lebron? Klay? Cant be luka and kai, both of them played amazing defense thru the po

[@maxmeier532]

@@hairlokk8672 who's the video about.

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

It will not be the same after his left the Golden State Warriors

[@js1241]

No one gonna mention how Okc should be the favorite in the west ? They have no more holes in their team, barring injury

[@willydynamite9806]

I don't know about favorite

[@deni8814]

Bunch of question marks on OKC, will Jalen williams step up.

[@SquidysTents]

ESPN mentioned it literally two hours ago lol

[@carloscallins7846]

@@deni8814he has to cs he was struggling all playoffs besides the first round

[@MrE_]

Which player in okc is big and strong enough to stop jokic, embiid, giannis, and other strong bigs? Chet's too skinny, he needs help. Would be nice if they had Steven adams again

[@10chavarria10]

On another note this is gonna be a breath of fresh air for klay. He has had tough years since the 3rd ring with a lot of criticism harsh criticism. It gets to your head esp when you’re in a recover phase and if you can’t get that mental block it’ll taint your game.

[@ksmooth0298]

Klay will never be the same again, so it doesn’t matter

[@QueenBrezzyXxIDGAF]

Big facts 💯

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Even though Klay is kinda washed, what Dallas did is similar to the 2013 Miami Heat adding Ray Allen. It was Ray Allen who saved them. Klay Allen/Ray Thompson will have a heroic moment like that. Ray turned 38 in 2013. Klay is still only 34. Dallas solidifies themselves as a top 2 team in the West. OKC did improve while Denver and Minnesota did not. Lakers getting nobody again but what else is new? Blaming Rob for ruining LeBron’s legacy. No, that’s LeBron’s fault. I thought he runs the Lakers? Didn’t HE draft his son? Now you’re blaming Rob because they couldn’t get anybody? Maybe because those players don’t want to be another LeBron scapegoat? Maybe Rob does nothing so he can protect Kobe? Bulls will not make trades to Lakers to protect MJ, so forget DeMar or Zach. That’s how toxic it is playing next to the LeBron or even for the Lakers. You’re never really going to win really. Even after you win a bubble ring or IST, it doesn’t matter. It’s never enough. Someone always gets blamed if the Lakers fail that season and it’s usually not LeBron. Klay and CP3 chose TEXAS than playing next to LeBron. 🤣 They chose a Republican state than be another LeBron b*tch. Klay and CP3 are in their mid to late 30s. CP3 still has a home in LA and is close friends to LeBron. Klay grew up a Lakers fan. His dad is the color commentator for Lakers radio. Yet, they chose Texas over playing next to LeBron. But hey, the Lakers still got Bronny! 🤣 Have a parade and hang a banner for that. Hang his jersey number by October. Then a Bronny statue in no nut November. LeBron will definitely nut for that. LeBron needs to ditch the Lakers if he wants another ring.

[@maxmeier532]

you have a crystal ball now?

[@Goxilla]

Losing Green and DJJ is a problem and Klay alone does not fix that. I think the Mavs might pull off another trade

[@HookahDoncic98]

They got naji marshall and quentin grimes, they filled every gap with better 3nd players

[@ctg404]

​@@HookahDoncic98 facts

[@theotherguy2675]

klay/marshall/grimes > djj/thj/green

[@Goxilla]

@@HookahDoncic98 you are right, I totally forgot about them

[@Legiey]

When did kingpin join espn?

[@mcfrossxplorect8249]

Admit it! Nobody wants to play with Lechoke! If not fpr rich paul AD wouldn't pick the lakers as well lol Kwai and PG also didn't choose leclown

[@edwardhipolito7242]

this💯

[@johnnier.o.d4746]

facts .... but it's something that a lot of lebron blames dickriders around the world ... don't wanna read ... don't wanna listen ... don't wanna see ... & don't wanna hear ... 😂🤣😂🤣-🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@johnnier.o.d4746]

facts ... but it's something that a lot of lebron blames dickriders around the world ... don't wanna listen ... don't wanna see ... don't wanna read ... & don't wanna hear ... 😂🤣😂🤣-🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@snupedummy]

You’re crazy if you believe that money and front office be the decision and maybe the fact he’s 38 ? Guarantee if he was 28 people would of been signing so fast with the lakers

[@californiacavemandastardly6538]

Can we put trans women in this show to talk and ditch the real women?

[@carloslozano7774]

You put the lakers vs mavs right now, the lakers win in a 7 game series. Mavs got a lucky run to the finals.

[@WesleyWilkins-qf2ky]

Only luck they got was not having to play Denver

[@willydynamite9806]

Ya'll starting to sound delusional, ya'll going the way of cowboy fans

[@GG-fy2bm]

Y’all Lakers fans delusion af. Lakers lost to the nuggets, which lost to the wolves, which lost to the mavs

[@edwardhipolito7242]

Buddy you won 1 Playoff Game the entire playoffs. Jamal Murray Nightmare really affect your brain 😅

[@MR.__G]

Lakers last 9 playoff games 1-8 😂😂

[@EyesWideOpenTruth]

The Mavs aren’t going to miss those scrubs they traded to get Klay. Good riddance!!

[@Zillamike21]

1000%

[@assassin415]

Klay shot 33% on wide open 3's and 31% on catch and shoot this past season

[@snupedummy]

He shot 39% on threes

[@pistonsttv4184]

But shot 39% from 3 for the year 🤔🤔..

[@GG-fy2bm]

Source?

[@steveking8997]

Okay washed up

[@johnrodriguez3635]

Dallas defense just went out the window him pairing with lebron and AD would have made more sense lebron and AD pass the ball to open shooters the problem is that those players can’t make those shot KLAY would have been killing people from the 3 point line cause he doesn’t need to dribble to shot

[@BJ-sb9rk]

The last guy had the perfect response @12:37

[@NotebookLives]

Can we please stop saying “The Lakers have been in the play-in the past few seasons”? If the play-in didn’t exist, AD & LeBron would have still made the playoffs in every year except 2022, because the Top 8 seeds have always went straight into the postseason (since the 80s). That statement is just disingenuous.

[@무트왈라]

nobody wants to play with the baldie.

[@lesterobryant55]

I think Klay doesn't want to play for JJ. Someone he may have had words or beef with on the court. He admires Jason Kidd coaching abilities more 🏀

[@maxmeier532]

JJ would be the least of his problems. This whole nonsense with 40 year old Bron and his son, Dude is seriously making the Lakers a charity event. The roster isnt even bad, but it's really uninspired and not going anywhere. Bron is preventing the Lakers from rebuilding.

[@astheskylarksings]

Klay the greatest role player in the history of the game. Anyone else come close? By role player, I mean he can’t be a number one option. Pippen was a number one. Irving, PG.. they were number ones. Klay never was. Maybe his closet competitor is Ginobli? 🤔

[@oocinom]

No one wants to join the Lakers clown show.

[@gucci_marcus]

Luka's defense while average at best is okay when he's going to get you 29-9-9 every night. Luka wasn't to blame for their finals loss....everyone not named Luka was to blame.

[@shank1er]

Most of these guys secretly Hate Lebron, Kawhi, Paul George, Klay, etc. They do not want to help him win another title. Lakers was a better fit for Klay and he knows it.

[@ClutchupGolf]

Mavs literally been the team to Beat not even going to lie to you bruh, I literally saw Nhaji lock up porzingus Shai and Tatum. Niggas wingspan is 7.1 while being 6’7 who can shoot from three Quinten grimes is 6’7 shot 40% from three. Like bro you can’t say defense is an issue when they literally have wings who can move, and big who can move and shot block. Mavs the team to beat in the West bruh. okc is a 7/11 timebwolves tocwo 7 footers with avg all around players, besides Shai and j will it’s hit or miss. They not really like that bruh whatsoever!

[@wuhansam]

Lol ESPN will always find a way to make it about the Lakers. Albeit this will be the most dramatic season television has ever seen! Bronny-Bron being the A plot and JJ the strong B plot, they'll touch on not getting any needle-moving FA's, I'm sure AD and Injury will do a "will they, won't they". Wait a minute, I've just received word: . . .NBA ASW2025 will have a podcasting event where Mind the Game will be doing a live podcast recording, will be the only in-season recorded episode.

[@usmanchaudhry6678]

This show is better without Stephen A.

[@04dcd]

I can understand Klay's choice but some of the analysis is silly. "The Lakers haven't been better than a 5 seed for 10 or 11 years." They were the #1 seed in 2020. Dallas missed the playoffs last year and was a fringe play-in team this season until they went nuclear the last 1/3 to 1/4 of the season. There was a *3* game difference between them and the Lakers. I don't get why we're talking about these teams as though there's some vast canyon of difference between them. Is the Mavs finals run repeatable? Sure! But if they start the season like they played in those Finals it's gonna be a long one.

[@therealfinancipation]

Kyrie + Luka + Klay + no derrick jones jr = Worst defense in the NBA They get smoked in the 2nd round

[@aieshadaniels6104]

Wow Luka is the only star the #NBA media would make crazy excuses for! If he was NOT well he would not compete in off season basketball. He needs to work on being a Complete player, Boston Wing duo is that while Kyrie and Luka were no way close to full court Super stardom! Ask MJ or Kobe they'd showed you can't cheat the game!

[@BigtunaG]

People are overhyping the Klay Defense part. Klay is no longer Elite at defense yes but he is still much better then Luka on D and better then Kyrie. When Mavs had Thj they could not play him because he was the only player worse then Luka on D. Because Klay is still a good defender the overall impact will be greater they aren't improving the scoring with a liability like Thj was. Any time Mavs would play Thj or Powell they would lose their lead simply due to how easy it was to score on them. Klay isn't a liability making them more impactful as an offense. Djj was a better defender but the mavs would not be able to outscore the Celtics because he was a liability on offense. With Klay you get a middle ground except better offense and still good defense. Its not like Djj was considered an elite defender in his career he did a really good job in Dallas but it wont be hard to replace that impact. The GSW on the other hand came into the season trying to phase Klay out knowing they wont pay him. 1. They already had Wiggins and Kuminga 2 players who are better defenders and get rebounds that play the same position. 2. GSW made Klay take a step back on his touches and the plays called for Klay and the consequence was they team didnt make the playoffs. Its not like they gave klay his same role same amount of shots and then they lost. 3. If Klay was still an elite defender they would probably have kept him but its also harder to admit Curry isn't the same and that they probably shouldn't have paid Wiggins/Green. 4.The other players Green/Wiggins are hard to trade they dont have much value after they already made the mistake of paying them. Its easier to find a reason not to pay Klay lower his usage and play him off the bench and blame him. After they moved him to the bench how was the blame not shifted to wiggins, Kuminga, and green? they were supposed to be an upgrade especially on defense but those guys also couldn't provide scoring the same shots you were taking away from Klay. So there net increase on Defense and rebounds did not bring any value too the team only for them too try and get klay too save them in the Play in after disregarding him the entire season. if you watched the team last season any time klay had a hot hand they would use that to get the lead and never go back to him, or they would ignore him the entire game and go to him as last resort.

[@gumjo47]

Perhaps, Klay just did not want to play for a rookie Head Coach like JJ Rederick. Perhaps, he did not want to play for Lebron James since in actuality, he will be coaching the LAL from behind the scenes. Lebron wanted a coach whom he could groom into the type of coach that he wanted and JJ Rederick fits the description of that type of coach. I am willing to bet you a bottle of funcky monkey's, that Klay simply did not want to deal with all of the drama of the Lakers organization. Why else would he not sign with them, especially with him growing up as a Lakers fan and his father being an announcer for the Lakers. The truth will eventually come out about the reason he decided not to sign with the Lakers.

[@OfficialFamosMuzik]

Chris cookin and it’s called fatigue… If Mavs faced Bam Adabayo to get to the finals instead of PG, SGA, AE, KAT youd see smarter play defense and shots made that got them there. Celtics although a stacked team were fresh. Dallas had to come together in March gel and beat 50 win teams to get there. Celtics played no tough all stars and no 50 win teams with home court with a team full of all stars.

[@romeoramirez1292]

Klay also wouldn’t get as much backlash with the Mavs that he would get with the Lakers if the lakers don’t do much but I’m still not sold on the Mavs just because Klay was added His number OVERALL weren’t bad but will he be able to make the difference that DJJ, Greene, and THJ was able to do together ? That’s the big question

[@kevinjoves3514]

What's wrong with the dallas defense? They were #1 since the deadline last season. And it translates to playoffs until the finals. For me, it just needs time and stability. They were only together for a few months. Unlike the Celts, wherein most of them were together for years. Woman-- don't commentate if you don't watch. Bad take only base on 5 games watched during the finals, and not overall. Smh.

[@shlobs422]

Who is paying these guys. The NBA is a lottery. The Mavs aren't favorites just because they made it to the finals. The Lakers made it to the WCF just two years ago, and the Mavs entirely missed the playoffs that same year. The Lakers only lost by 2 points in two games against the defending champion Nuggets. Jamal Murry misses those shots, the Lakers are probably the ones in the finals.

[@MrAtl7391]

Lmao he is trash

[@ThinCrustPizzzza]

Who is?

[@MrAtl7391]

@@ThinCrustPizzzza Klay washed Thompson

[@ThinCrustPizzzza]

@@MrAtl7391 I’m doxxing you kid. You’ll learn

[@Babysnapps60]

Somebody please tell me why Dallas lost in finals ? They COULDNT Defend KLAY is a terrible defender since his injury and when he cold you have to bench him so them getting him did what 🤔 I’m glad he chose them over lakers take that washed up klay anytime I’m mad lakers even offered him that when you got people like Dennis and Lonnie walked who they let walk for nothing on trash teams or free agents who they can make a trade or offer them something

[@philipthavenius9801]

The analysis of the Mavs defense is wrong, they deliberately made a system to route attackers into help, making it easier to defend. Also, blaming Luka for losing the finals when Kai and the role players missed every open shot possible is nuts. Klay can teach the team a lot and, open up more offensive and defensive schemes. Why I think it will work is that Luka will make Klay's game shine, his role will be more simple, and he won't need to play 40 mins and run a marathon. Maybe most importantly, he is hungry to prove himself.

[@AMOKIAN]

Dallas were closer to the Ring than the Lakers. He wants to win one without GSW. I thought he was a lifer there?

[@jmcavoy8229]

Yes, we know Klay's got finals championship experience but it's not like Kyrie doesn't either, just Thompson's ineffectiveness on defense won't help his offense for the Mavs. Surely there's a great two-way or a 3D forward available that's younger and stronger for the team.

[@NoobGamer-di1dw]

Even if the Lakers got Thompson they weren’t gonna be contenders in fact if they got any of the names they wanted then they wouldn’t be contenders. That’s just the reality. Klay has been awful for a while now since his injuries too, and Harden or Demar wouldn’t really be any better either. Lakers would be maybe a 5th or 6th seed at best even with Harden, Demar or Klay, so Laker fans need to get a grip😅 If they run back the roster as is they might not even make the playoffs

[@samuelscarborough6348]

If Klay has low utilization he can defend a teams 2 or 3 for 20 minutes a night. He was an All Defense Player a few years back . I think lower his UHUs and and you get the two way player they need. Now will he trust his knee? That remains to be seen. Going to be fun! Great pick up!

[@Patrick_Felipe]

Klay can catch fire but also catch a cold! He was in the wrong head space these couple of season with the dubs. When he’s cold every miss shot we saw angry klay….every miss shot, everybody can see it, sense it that he’s thinking too much out there…….the change in scenery might do him some good…but mavs fans - buyer beware…..

[@AllanteHarvey]

They killing me talm bout it’s the young players league let’s see the top in west OKC 53 wins suns 49 wins just 4 game difference mavs 50 wins suns 49 wins I guess the suns not even close to the defending west conference champs they just hate KD so much they say anything technically the Celtics had a big 4 ion hear people complaining about that tho

[@joetigo2928]

Klay the past 2 years wasn't an all-star level player. He might give Mavs a decent 12 to 15 points per game. His injury affected him and also he is 34 too. Taking that in to consideration, Mavs might still be underdogs vs the Celtics.

[@kingengine5852]

As much as I hate the Lakers the Covid ring should be treated like any other nba championship. Every other team had the opportunity to win but blew it. If the Mavs won the Covid ring I’d treat it the same as 2011 and I’m sure every fan base would agree unless you’re slow

[@rznz6110]

Mavs gonna play ZERO defense when Luka, Kyrie n Klay on the court. Celtics added Holiday's defense and won a chip.....

[@e_wky]

Smart not to go to the Lakers because whenever you win "Thanks to LeBron James". Whenever you lose "You're not helping LeBron enough". Even though I'm a fan of LeBron but sad to say this is the NBA culture now

[@michaelod324]

Nobody wants to be apart of the la clown show that’s all. It’s Lebron centric, they just drafted his son just cause, they hired this podcast partner as coach, I mean they just aren’t taking basketball seriously, no real player wants to be part of that outside of Anthony Davis