Los Angeles Lakers: 5 realistic goals for 2018 offseason
By Dan Lovi
3. Evaluate Isaiah Thomas and Brook Lopez
The Lakers brass will have to decide what to do with a roster filled with free agents, none more prominent than Thomas and Lopez.
The veteran point guard played in only 32 games this season — 15 for the Cavaliers and 17 for the Lakers. Thomas’ stock has never been lower, especially after he was shut down toward the end of the season because of his reccurring hip injury.
ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that even with an impending hip surgery, the Lakers have shown interest in bringing Thomas back next season.
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"“Despite a looming surgical procedure on his right hip, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to hold an interest in exploring a free-agent deal with guard Isaiah Thomas this summer, league sources told ESPN on Wednesday.”"
It’s hard to foresee Thomas getting a ton of offers, especially for long-term deals. The Lakers could bring Thomas back on a one-year deal, especially if they miss out on signing two max players.
Bringing back Lopez might be a bit trickier, as the big man will probably garner the most attention of any Laker free agent. Though his numbers don’t pop (13 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game), his veteran leadership was instrumental to the Lakers’ success this season.
Lopez just turned 30 years old, so he’s still got some fuel left in the tank. An injury scare earlier in his career seems to no longer be an issue, as he’s played in at least 72 games the past four seasons. Lopez has also made 246 3-pointers the past two seasons at a 34 percent clip.
Whether or not Thomas and Lopez return will depend on what other teams are willing to offer and the other free agents the Lakers are able to sign. It’ll be interesting to see where the two veterans will be playing next season.