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Lakers could sign former Celtics legendary scoring machine to bolster offense
As the Los Angeles Lakers seek to bolster their bench, they could take a hard look at a former Boston Celtics legend who is attempting an NBA return.
The Lakers have multiple roster needs, most notably at center, but no one in LA would complain if GM Rob Pelinka added some bench scoring to the mix.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are always carrying a heavy load offensively, and while Austin Reaves has bloomed into a legitimate third star, the Lakers could use some pop off the bench for nights when Dalton Knecht and Co. are off.
Why not take a flyer on a 35-year-old veteran who once finished top five in NBA MVP voting?
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, former Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas is available on the market.
“Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is pursuing another NBA return, signing into the G League and rejoining the Utah Jazz’s Salt Lake City affiliate, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported on Monday morning.
“Last season, Thomas averaged 33 points in four G League games en route to a call up to the Suns.”
Injuries have resulted in an up-and-down career for Thomas, no doubt, but when he’s on, it’s impossible for NBA defenses to keep Thomas out of the lane and off of the score sheet.
“IT” has been a problem for defenders since the moment he stepped on an NBA floor. He finished No. 7 in Rookie of the Year voting in 2012 after being selected with the last pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. In his fourth NBA season, Thomas finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
IT’s peak, of course, came on the Celtics. He was absurd during the 2016-17 season, averaging 28.9 points per game on the way to a top-five MVP voting result and an All-NBA Second Team selection.
Since then, Thomas’ body has betrayed him on multiple occasions, leading him to become an NBA journeyman of sorts. Thomas has already spent two stints with the Lakers (2018, 2021) in addition to stretches with the Phoenix Suns (2014-2015, 2024), Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-2018), Denver Nuggets (2018-2019), Washington Wizards (2019-2020), New Orleans Pelicans (2021), Dallas Mavericks (2021-2022), and Charlotte Hornets (2022).
As related by Charania, IT has also spent time in the G League, where he’s most recently dominated.
Thomas has always been a liability on defense, but he’s also always been a bucket.
If the Lakers don’t sign IT, someone else surely will give him a shot.
More NBA: Celtics could trade All-Star guard to Bulls for Zach LaVine, former No. 11 pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of some offensive firepower, and they may have found the perfect solution in former Boston Celtics legend, Paul Pierce.
Pierce, who spent the majority of his career with the Celtics, was known for his scoring ability and clutch performances in big moments. The Lakers, who have struggled to consistently put up points this season, could greatly benefit from adding a player of Pierce’s caliber to their roster.
While Pierce may be past his prime, his scoring touch and veteran leadership could provide a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ offense. With players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on the team, adding Pierce to the mix could create a formidable trio that would strike fear into opposing defenses.
Of course, signing Pierce would be contingent on his willingness to come out of retirement and play for the Lakers. But if he’s up for the challenge, there’s no doubt that he could make a significant impact on the team and help propel them to success in the upcoming season.
So, Lakers fans, keep your fingers crossed that the team can make this potential signing a reality. With Paul Pierce on board, the Lakers could be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Tags:
- Lakers
- Celtics
- Legendary scoring machine
- Offense
- NBA
- Free agency
- Basketball
- Rivalry
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Boston Celtics
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