With the Los Angeles Lakers having three open roster spots — though they plan to keep one open — names of possible candidates have emerged in recent days.
One of the most notable names is Isaiah Thomas, who would check the box for the third point guard the Lakers hope to sign before the season.
Thomas recently worked out with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, which has fueled the rumors he could be the next Laker.
Adding more clarity on Thomas’ recent workout with the team, NBA insider Marc Stein said L.A. worked out Thomas before his viral pro-am game:
I’m told that the Lakers’ private workout with Thomas, for the record, took place before he scored 81 points in a pro/am game in Seattle.
The moment spread rapidly on social media because of Thomas breaking down in tears because the league “gave up” on him:
Isaiah Thomas was emotional after dropping 81 points in a Pro Am game.
"They gave up on me."
đź“ą: @SlowGrind_Media pic.twitter.com/L8bviZPBQQ
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 11, 2021
Thomas hasn’t played consistent, meaningful basketball since the 2016-17 season when he was an MVP candidate with the Boston Celtics.
Since that season, Thomas’ seasons have been derailed by injuries, reducing him to playing on 10-day contracts.
The 32-year-old guard had a 17-game stint with the Lakers in the 2017-18 season, when he averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists primarily off the bench.
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