LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony might be in the spot light of this summer's 2014 NBA free agency but Isaiah Thomas has garnered a lot of attention in the open market this year, and rightfully so. The dynamic 24-year old point guard has made some significant strides in each of the three seasons he has played in the NBA but the jump he made from Year 2 to Year 3 was huge. His numbers where way above his norm from 13.9 points and 4 assists per game to 20.3 points and 6.3 assists a game.
Among the several teams that are reportedly in pursuit of the rising point guard such as the Mavericks, Heat, and Celtics, an interesting option for Thomas is the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas grew up watching the NBA as a diehard Lakers fan and has idolized Kobe Bryant since he was kid. For him, signing an offer sheet from the purple and gold would truly be special.
Bryant, Steve Nash, and Robert Sacre are the only three players who are currently in the Lakers payroll for next season and there are rumors that the Lakers are tying to move Nash's contract to free up even more money giving them enough salary cap space to be a force in the free agency and sign the likes of James and Anthony for a max contract.
But even if the Lakers manage to land James or Anthony, they may still need a new starting point guard next season and Thomas is one of the best options in the point guard position in the market. His contract is estimated to run around $6-8 million a year and for a guy who delivers 20 points and 6 assists per game, its definitely a great bargain.
Last season, Thomas was a force against the Lakers every time they faced the Sacramento Kings. While he stands only at 5'9", his scoring, energy, and competitive nature proved too much for many NBA teams to handle. Next season though, the Lakers may not have to fear Thomas anymore because he maybe playing for them alongside Byrant for the purple and gold.
The Lakers will surely have numerous decision to make but some one as dynamic as Thomas who is on the rise and has yet to reach his ceiling will surely intrigue the franchise. Plus he loves the Lakers so what more can the team want?
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