LeBron James began recruiting efforts as soon as free agency began

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

The rumblings about LeBron James's willingness to take a pay cut to add a key player in free agency have only intensified since NBA free agency began on Sunday evening. And if the move James made when the clock struck 6 p.m. ET is any indication, former Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson may be his preference.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, James reportedly called Thompson immediately when free agency opened (h/t ClutchPoints).

"I'm told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened... These conversations, this negotiation will go into tomorrow. There probably will not be a resolution tonight, Wojnarowski said on "SportsCenter."

It's not all that surprising, especially considering how well Thompson would likely fit alongside James and Anthony Davis. While there's no shortage of competition, the Lakers remain in the thick of the push to sign the 34-year-old guard.

But as free agency rolls on, the Lakers may need to put together a serious push and strong pitch for Thompson. Wojnarowski reported the guard is set to meet with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, along with the Lakers.

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