The Los Angeles Lakers have big plans this summer, as they are eyeing to sign two superstars to become a title contender again starting next season finally. While the focus is on acquiring two max-level free agents, they also need to deal with their own players, who will become available on the market as well in July.
Two-time All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas is one of their players who will hit free agency two months from now. Thomas had his good moments in purple and gold after he was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. But according to Gil Alcaraz IV of Hoops Habit, the Lakers should avoid signing the veteran playmaker to a new deal in the offseason.
Isaiah Thomas not worth the risk for Lakers
Thomas had his best year as a pro with the Boston Celtics last season but went on a downward spiral after sustaining a hip injury. The 29-year-old had a disastrous 15-game stint with the Cavaliers before he was dealt with the Lakers. Thomas showed a glimpse of his old self in Los Angeles, but he failed to finish the season because of hip issues.
The former Washington standout, who averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists for the Lakers, underwent an arthroscopic surgery to address his hip injury. This is the reason why Alcaraz thinks that Los Angeles should avoid signing him at all cost.
It was pointed out that his "fragile" and "dysfunctional" hips would continue to be a cause of concern for any team moving forward.
His health could make Thomas available at a discounted contract, but the report pointed out that it will not be worth the risk because the seven-year veteran was too unpredictable last season.
Isaiah Thomas has no place in LA because of Lonzo Ball
The Lakers, who ended up 11th in the Western Conference with their 35-47 record this season, already has their point guard of the future in Lonzo Ball.
It is also the reason why Alcaraz is convinced that there is no reason for them to invest in an "unreliable" undersized point guard.
Alcaraz also insisted that it will be hard for Thomas to fit into the Lakers if he continues to demand a starting role. He even added that Thomas would have a difficult time looking for a team who is willing to take a gamble on him because of the nagging hip injury that slowed him down this season.
Thomas, the 60th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, averaged 15.2 points and 4.8 assists in 32 games this season. It was far from his numbers last season when he posted 28.9 points on top of 5.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 76 games with the Celtics, who eventually dealt him to Cleveland in the Kyrie Irving trade last year.
