NBA Rumors: Lakers Interest In Thomas Low, Defensive Ability Questioned

KEY POINTS

Thomas could be best available playmaker for Lakers
Thomas defense is questionable
Lakers may opt to get other players if point guard hunt is futile

The Los Angeles Lakers search for a point guard is slowly dimming with top free agents available not exactly fit to their needs. Of the players available in NBA free agency, one name that could ring a bell is Isaiah Thomas. However, he seems far from the perfect fit that head coach Frank Vogel can put to good use.

Thomas has struggled to recall his old form since leaving the Celtics back in 2017. The most game he played in an NBA season is the current one, pegged at 40. Injuries have slowed I.T. down and somehow that has turned away several teams. That includes the Celtics, the same team where he was fondly adored.

In a previous report, team president Danny Ainge admitted that he does love Thomas but does not see him as a fit right now. He appears pleased with their roster right now so adding new players is not a priority. The only exception is if there is a solid big player that would be hard to pass up. So far, Ainge has not seen any.

The case may be different for the Lakers. Somehow, Thomas fits the need for a point guard. However, another concern has cropped up. His ability to defend is now in question, particularly when it comes to matching up with taller guards, Fansided suggested.

Other than that, there is no question that Thomas is a proven court general. It would make sense although seeing him as a starter is a bit off. This season, Thomas averaged 12.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Wizards. The numbers are way below his career averages and joining the Lakers will likely see it dip further. Most know how star-studded the purple and gold is with the focus mostly on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Right now, it appears the Lakers have diverted their attention towards getting quality players in the market. J.R. Smith, Dion Waiter, and Moe Harkless appeal to the Lakers but nothing has gone down as of this writing. Worth noting is that the three names mentioned are wing players. It could mean that the Lakers are moving on from their playmaking needs with James likely to be their main orchestrator. If so, the Lakers may be trying to get in more firepower if the three-time NBA champion will be tasked to call the plays.