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3 reasons why the Lakers should sign Isaiah Thomas for the season

Kevin Germany|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Isaiah Thomas #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket while Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on December 17, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 110-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Isaiah Thomas #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket while Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on December 17, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 110-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
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Lakers Rumors: Isaiah Thomas could find cold free agent market
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Reason #2: Isaiah Thomas is what the Lakers need now

The Lakers do not have a reliable third guard on the roster. Staggering LeBron James and Russell Westbrook’s minutes can only get their offense so far. The Lakers have done this – and are still 24th in offensive rating!

Malik Monk, Austin Reeves, and Talen Horton-Tucker are very promising young players. Their promise has not translated to consistent production so far. The Lakers do not have the time to wait on those young players to become reliable scoring options.

Veterans like Isaiah Thomas are a known commodity. Thomas is a great fit to play alongside LeBron and Carmelo Anthony on offense as a third scoring option coming off the bench. The Lakers only need him to play 15-20 minutes in this role (which was reserved for Kendrick Nunn, who has yet to play a single game this season).

This offensive possession is how the Lakers can ideally use Thomas in a half-court setting. The movement was much better because he never stopped moving.

The Lakers need guys on offense who are willing to move without the ball. Here was the chain reaction that Thomas’ off-ball movement created:

  • Rajon Rondo brings the ball up on the left side of the court
  • Carmelo Anthony gets the ball on the left block
  • Isaiah Thomas curls off a staggered screen from LeBron and AD
  • Thomas cuts to the basket then relocates to the perimeter
  • Anthony is doubled and passes back to Rondo
  • Rondo passes back to Thomas for his first Lakers points this season

I am aware of the poor history between Thomas and LeBron on the court. Thomas only lasted a half of a season playing alongside LeBron in Cleveland. He looked miserable and was quickly traded to a young Lakers squad going nowhere fast.

When LeBron left Cleveland for the Lakers the following offseason, Thomas bounced around the NBA world. His second stint with the Lakers marks his fourth NBA team in four seasons.

Thomas is a different player now. He will do whatever it takes to stay in the NBA. He can thrive as a third scoring option coming off the bench. He fits particularly well with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in a veteran-laden lineup.

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