The Lakers still have multiple roster spots available after overhauling their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis this offseason, and according to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, free agent guard Isaiah Thomas is among the players the team is considering to fill one of those openings.
As Stein explains, it’s far from a lock that the Lakers will sign Thomas, but he’s among the targets the team is keeping its eye on in the search for “additional backcourt punch.”
Thomas generated some buzz on social media over the weekend by racking up 81 points in a Pro-Am game in Seattle. However, he has struggled to make an impact at the NBA level in recent years.
Thomas has appeared in 55 total games since the start of the 2018/19 season for the Nuggets, Wizards, and Pelicans, averaging 11.1 PPG and 3.2 APG on .393/.381/.771 shooting in 21.0 minutes per contest during that time. While those numbers aren’t bad, they haven’t been enough to make up for his below-average defense and earn him a full-season rotation role.
Stein – who reported last week that the Celtics have also mulled the idea of a reunion with Thomas – says the Lakers don’t view Thomas’ failed stint alongside James with the 2017/18 Cavaliers as a deterrent, but will still have to decide how best to use their final roster spots.
Currently, Los Angeles has 12 players on guaranteed contracts, plus Joel Ayayi and Austin Reaves on two-way deals.
Back up the Tonka truck
Who has a better shot at making it to an NBA roster, Isaiah Thomas or Brandon Knight? I’d guess IT, but Brandon Knight will get the chance to show what he can do on the Nets’ summer league team.
Best chance, probably one of those 2 , and at least 1 probably will
But best contributor, might be Lance Stephenson if he ever wanted to come back from being a King overseas..
Too young for LA
You are right. They have to be looking at the other Isiah Thomas. He fits more in line with the age range of the team. I’ll bet he still has a pretty good passing game though.
Don’t think he’s worth it. Already got Russ and Nunn.
Would rather see Thomas go be a back up and veteran leader for the Celtics.
Or even as a back up on the Heat
Agree 100%
Celtics have Schroder, Smart, Pritchard, and Madar at the point. Hard pass on Thomas.
Russ and Nunn and LeBron who’s functionally a PG.
Celtics prob had the worst PG depth chart in the League before Schroeder so IT makes some sense there?
But I mean he’s also had how many attempted comebacks at this point? And he’s been terrible in every one.
So realistically I don’t know if he makes sense anywhere in the League at this point. He’s probably better off trying to make his cash overseas while he’s relatively young.
Strange….
6 guards already set plus they have both there 2 ways being pretty good guards as well- I like Reeves a good bit already
Much more need for a combo forward, preferably defense first – James Ennis and Milsap come to mind of whoe’s avail currently
They are already small and thin at the 3/4… I hope this talk passes
3&D please
Lakers should sign Nttilikina. They are going to need players to play D. Better to look for young guys who have something to prove.
They should be monitoring all SL gms too. I know D Duke Jr could of helped them.
Ntikilina will likely be in the Euroleague this upcoming season. I don’t think he has shown enough to warrant anyone taking a chance on him.
He should just move on from NBA and just play in China. He is not getting good advices.
Then he would have to live in China
I don’t like him for the LAL. Pelinka has been good (generally), but I’m not a fan of many of his back part of the roster moves. For contenders, I prefer the PHX/JJ approach where that’s concerned.
Was hoping to get our former Mr. 4th Quarter hero back at a low ball contract but w Payton Pritchard playing so well & Dennis & Marcus it doesn’t seem like he’d get minutes. Best 2 IT!
Lakers are better off trying to get the original Isiah Thomas to play basketball.
I think the Lakers should bring back Nick Young.
How desperate are the Lakers? He’s gotta be near 60.
Man, I never get tired of stories about teams that might sign Isiah Thomas.