"Never really did that back in Golden State": Klay Thompson reveals how he plans on leading Mavericks to promised land amid championship dream

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors, the plan was for him to be an off-ball shooter alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A year later, Doncic is now with the LA Lakers, and Irving is expected to miss the entire season.

The Mavericks are instead built around Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg, with Thompson set to take on an expanded role. On Saturday’s episode of the “Showtime With Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast,” Thompson said he is ready to be more of a leader.

"I gotta lead these guys with my voice,” Thompson said (per Joey Mistretta). “I never really did that back in Golden State, so now I have a different calling to use my championship knowledge and show these guys it's a journey. ... We just gotta peak at the right time.”

Getting there won’t be easy with a roster that may struggle to stay healthy all year, but Klay Thompson said he’s locked in.

"So, I'm really excited. I'm actually gonna go to the gym now. I haven't been this motivated in years."

In 2024-25, Dallas only made the play-in, winning its opener before being knocked out by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game. The loss ended their season and marked the Mavericks’ first playoff miss since 2022-23.

This year, expectations are higher, with the team hoping to be more competitive in a crowded Western Conference — and Thompson bringing four championship rings from his Golden State run.

Klay Thompson praises Mavericks’ frontcourt

While the Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt has been hit hard by injuries, with D’Angelo Russell expected to run point next season, Klay Thompson highlighted the team’s strength up front.

"AD, when he's healthy, he is the best power forward, maybe of my generation,” Thompson said (per Joey Mistretta). I think we personally have the best frontcourt in the NBA when we're healthy. We have so much depth.

“And then getting a guy like D-Lo and having guard depth, I'm just really excited.”

The Mavericks’ front line is indeed deep, led by Davis and Flagg, along with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and PJ Washington, who is expected to sign a four-year extension worth just under $90 million.

READ: Mavericks Rumors: Nico Harrison likely to lock 6'7” forward to $90,000,000 deal despite frontcourt logjam with Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis

Dallas will face stiff competition in the West, which features the defending champion OKC Thunder, a reloaded Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets, and perennial playoff teams such as the LA Lakers and Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Warriors.