Isaiah Thomas didn’t want to sign in the NBA’s minor league. But desperate to return to the NBA, he joined the Nuggets’ affiliate. He had 42 points, eight assists and six rebounds in his first game.
Now, he’s getting a promotion – from the Lakers, who will be without Russell Westbrook.
Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Isaiah Thomas is signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thomas scored 42 points in his NBA G League debut on Wednesday night.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2021
Thomas is planning to sign a 10-day contract under the hardship exemption, sources said. https://t.co/cKmXwmgMWD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2021
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has entered into Covid protocols, sources tell @mcten and me.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 16, 2021
Thomas is a sympathetic figure. The 5-foot-9 guard built himself up from last pick in the draft to star by playing with so much heart. Then, injury derailed his career just before a big payday.
It’s somewhat surprising the Lakers are signing Thomas, considering LeBron James didn’t appear to enjoy playing with Thomas on the Cavaliers. But that tense situation, which ended with Cleveland shipping Thomas to Los Angeles in 2018, was exacerbated by Thomas’ injury-related struggles. The Lakers showed interest in Thomas last offseason, presumably without LeBron objecting.
Thomas claims he’s much healthier. But he had said that before, and it didn’t show in a brief stint with the Pelicans last April. Thomas is now 32, an age many small guards fall off.
Expectations are far lower for Thomas now than when he replaced Kyrie Irving on the Cavs. Thomas figures to provide depth, but actually joining the rotation will depend on how coronavirus has spread within the Lakers. Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker (coronavirus) and Kendrick Nunn (knee) are out. Los Angeles also has Malik Monk, Avery Bradley, Wayne Ellington, Austin Reaves and Rajon Rondo at guard.