Don’t count on Isaiah Thomas starting for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers coach Luke Walton would not commit to making Thomas a starter after the team acquired him from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Luke Walton opens by talking about how it’s tough to see Larry Nance Jr and Jordan Clarkson go. Walton was asked if Isaiah Thomas will start and his response was noncommittal.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) February 8, 2018
Walton did, however, note that a buyout is unlikely for Thomas.
Asked Walton if he’s expecting Isaiah Thomas will be part of this team, not bought out, and he said yeah.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) February 8, 2018
Thomas is in a very tough spot. He was acquired in a big trade, but mostly as an expiring contract. He’s probably not going to dislodge Lonzo Ball from the lineup, as the Lakers are out of contention and won’t bench a rookie they’ve invested so much in. That probably won’t sit well with Thomas, either, but his options are very limited.
