Isaiah Thomas to be Re-Signed: The Possibility

While fans want Julius Randle re-signed, it seems that the Lakers will re-sign IT, too

When the Cleveland Cavaliers sent Isaiah Thomas to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade deadline deal that involved multiple players,  it was said that the Cavs were trying to get rid of IT's contract. And initially, that was what the Lakers were planning to do too as Thomas is expected to become a free agent after this season to make sure that they will have the necessary cap space and roster spot to land two stars in the upcoming free agency.

And initially, with the way he has been playing as of late, Julius Randle may have increased his chances of getting re-signed this July. Then, came along the possibility of Isaiah Thomas coming back to the Lakers after this season. Wait! What?

Yes, folks. You've heard it right.

Isaiah Thomas has already under a surgery for his right hip injury and is expected to be out from basketball-related activities for the next 4 months. Sure, he averaged 15 points and 5 assists in 17 games that he played for the Lakers- primarily as Lonzo Ball's back-up but the truth is, he has become a defensive liability- something that the Cavs were able to get rid of and that's something that won't help the Lakers in luring LeBron James and/or Paul George to come to Hollywood.

And yet, there's a real chance that Isaiah Thomas MIGHT make a return to the Purple and Gold after this season.

Aside from the fact that IT  has already said that he wants to remain a Laker, Coach Luke Walton said that he feels IT is doing a great job as a mentor to his younger teammates, stating that IT's presence had a positive impact on Lonzo Ball and company.

What would IT's re-signing means for the Lakers?

For starters, the Lakers would have less money to offer for LeBron James but more than that, IT's presence, regardless of how great he was once, can lure stars AWAY from the Lakers because of the fact that he has been a liability and mind you, this is the second straight season that IT has suffered a season-ending injury so his inability to stay healthy is another liability. 

Conclusion

Between IT and Julius Randle, this pundit on wheels will prefer if the Lakers will re-sign Randle instead of IT because Randle has already built a chemistry with Ball and the rest of the young core. The liabilities that IT is as of the moment clearly outweighs what he can do for the team especially in the long run.