Isaiah Thomas was traded again before the deadline on Thursday in the Cavaliers’ deal with the Lakers after having issues getting along with his teammates in Cleveland, while he was openly criticizing the way the Cavs were playing and being coached.
The problems resulted in an extremely sad lowlight reel that sums up Thomas’ time in The Land.
Before he got to the Lakers, it looked like he might have the same issues with his new team when ESPN’s Rachel Nichols said Thomas’ agent texted her, “HE IS NOT COMING OFF THE BENCH.” But, when Thomas spoke to reporters prior to the Lakers’ game in Dallas, he had no complaints about not starting.
Thomas said that he’s there to help the Lakers however he can, even if that means not starting like he wants to. He repeated that message and stuck to it. He said:
“My mentality is just to help this team. Like I said, yes, I would love to be a starter, but I’m on a new team that’s playing very well right now and I don’t want to mess any of that up. I fit in where I fit in, and when my name’s called, I’m gonna take advantage of my opportunity. That’s all I’m worried about right now, getting wins for this organization and getting it back to where it was.”
When asked about mentoring rookie Lonzo Ball, Thomas said that he’s fine with doing that too, but added that he’s still in his prime and isn’t “taking a backseat to anybody.”
“That’s fine. I’ve been in the league six more years than he has, so obviously I’m gonna help him out. We’re part of the same team, he’s a special young player and he’s gonna be an incredible talent in this league for years to come. My job is to help where I can. I’m still in my prime, so it’s not like I’m taking a backseat to anybody. I’m here to be who I am. I’m here to make a difference on this team, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Per Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Lakers head coach Luke Walton said something similar about Thomas’ reaction to not being a starter.
Additionally, Thomas’ agent, Aaron Goodwin, the one who told Nichols that his client would not come off the bench, backed down from those comments when he talked with USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick on Thursday. Goodwin said:
“Once (Isaiah Thomas) spoke to (Lakers president of basketball operations) Magic (Johnson) and (general manager) Rob (Pelinka), he was ecstatic about the opportunity. It’s clear that he’ll get a chance to play, and play up-tempo like he has played throughout his career. And that’s all we can ask for. That was our biggest concern.”
Whether or not Thomas and his agent truly believe what they’re saying right now, it’s a good first step to Thomas’ time with the Lakers.