Isaiah Thomas is back to the NBA after signing a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, and sure enough, he is ready to make the most of his new opportunity.
Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of the Lakers' showdown with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thomas opened up about the events leading to his signing with the Purple and Gold franchise. When general manager Rob Pelinka called him on Thursday, Thomas didn't hesitate in his response and expressed his desire to play.
“When Rob called me yesterday morning and asked if I'd be interested, I said ‘hell yeah!'” Thomas shared, per Spectrum SportsNet. “I've been waiting for this chance, I'm excited to be here, I'm excited about the opportunity. Any way I can help, I'm gonna provide. That's what I'm here for.”
Isaiah Thomas never stopped working despite initially failing to sign with a team in the offseason. After leading USA Basketball's secondary team in the World Cup Qualifiers, he signed with the NBA G League. Right in his first game, he proved that he is more than ready to play at the NBA level once again with a 42-point, six-rebound and eight-assist outing in his G League debut.
For Pelinka and the Lakers, that's enough proof that IT can help them amid their roster issues caused by COVID-19.
For his part, the 32-year-old guard is more than happy to share the court with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony once again. While playing with such future Hall of Famers can be tricky and requires time, IT doesn't think that will be the case for him.
“They're exceptional. They're obviously going to make the game easy for me. They are first ballot Hall of Famers, guys that know what winning's about, know what individual success is about. Most importantly, LeBron, AD won a championship and I'm just here to help in any way I can,” Thomas added.
Even though his contract is only for 10 days, it should be able to provide him with an opportunity to show that he can still be competitive at the highest level. And for the Lakers, they'll be leaning on his scoring pedigree to leave the team off the bench.
"When Rob called me yesterday and asked if I'd be interested I said 'hell yeah!'" 💯 @isaiahthomas talks pregame with @LakersReporter about returning to the #LakeShow. pic.twitter.com/pj28u8iBa6
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 18, 2021
“Just be ready. The main focus is more on everybody telling me just to be ready … be myself. … No matter what, I'm gonna make an impact.”
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