The Los Angeles Lakers acquired superstar point guard Russell Westbrook in the offseason, thus raising the championship expectations for this prominent franchise. The star trio of Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis has been an unfortunate disappointment because they are still searching for team chemistry and rhythm along with their plethora of offseason acquisitions. Still, someone like Isaiah Thomas can help.
As they are progressing toward the right direction, numerous of their key pieces have entered the healthy and safety protocols which forces them to miss an extended period of time. Sadly, Westbrook is part of the players that would be sidelined, thus sacrificing some depth at the guard position. Under the hardship exemption, the Lakers were able to add a former All Star to their squad in Isaiah Thomas. It is already his second stint for the organization, but this iteration is vastly different with the roster changes.
Isaiah Thomas Lakers Marriage
Spark plug off the bench
Head coach Frank Vogel could decide starting Rajon Rondo or even playing James at the one for L.A., but Thomas would receive at least 10-15 minutes instantly. His remarkable debut in his stint in the G-League proves that he is in game shape and ready to produce for the Lakers. Even with his short stature, he could be a tremendous asset because of the multitude of moves he possesses on the offensive side of the floor.
When Thomas was with the Celtics, he would get to the rack and force opponents to just foul him and rack up easy points at the 15-foot line. Moreover, he has a sensational long range shot that is reliable at any juncture of the game. These two facets of his game is the perfect strength for a signing that is tasked to have a role to supplements their main core. With this 10-day contract, Vogel must put him in positions wherein he has many opportunities to score buckets with the second unit of the Lakers.
Underrated facilitator
When James is taking a breather, Isaiah Thomas is the perfect orchestrator for Davis because he could run several pick and rolls to maximize the skill set of Davis. Thomas has a score-first mentality, but his ability to flourish as a leader and facilitator for this struggling franchise would be an incredible boost. The Lakers are continuing to search for reliable threats alongside their big 3, and Thomas could be a great answer for that.
Along with Davis, Thomas could be surrounded with other shooters as well like Carmelo Anthony or Austin Reaves. With this decision, it would open up more looks for them because Thomas could maneuver through any kind of defense that is thrown at him then kick it out in the wings or corners. During his peak years in Boston, he averaged around six assists that increased the confidence of individuals like Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk.
High basketball IQ
On a basketball team that has not been complete over the course of the whole season, multiple leaders are essential for every player to have constant communication with their goals. Inserting Isaiah Thomas to this lineup would not be difficult because his ability to fulfill the role that is tasked for him would be attainable for him. Thomas has a mature and selfless attitude that naturally rub off to his teammates.
There are some instances wherein some players seem lost and disinterested with their offensive and defensive schemes, but adding Thomas gives them another person that would consistently remind his teammates of the right mentality for a squad that has championship aspirations. Thomas has experienced the difficult rigors at the early part of his career, but he has proven that he would do anything to make his team win every game.
With Thomas just signing a 10-day contract, it may seem not like a long term experiment, but if Thomas shows flashes of his old self along with his leadership off the court, the Lakers can be convinced to keep him for the rest of the year. Isaiah Thomas has been clamoring for any opportunity in the NBA, and it is here already thus he should not waste it and showcase why he deserves a spot in a NBA roster.
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