Isaiah Thomas Returns to the NBA

 

All it took was a 42-point explosion in his G League debut for former All-Star Isaiah Thomas to find a home back in the NBA once again. 

Back to the Purple & Gold 💜💛@isaiahthomas is returning to the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/68sVW8Zzrw

— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 16, 2021

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed IT to a 10-day contract following his sizzling performance for the Grand Rapids Gold. Maybe it was even a twitter shout out from Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant that helped get him the gig.

The Lakers were able to sign him under the "hardship exemption", as they have 7 players out of the lineup (five on health & safety protocols). 

This is Thomas' second stint with the Lakers, as he suited up for part of the 2017-18 season in LA, averaging 15.6 points and 5 assists for them, in 17 games. 

He was prepared to take part in the G League Showcase on Dec. 19, as part of his comeback attempt. Now he'll get to strut his stuff in the League, alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

The 32-year-old has been working hard throughout the year to make it back to the NBA. A two-time All-Star with the Boston Celtics in 2016 and '17, Thomas had his promising career derailed by a devastating hip injury.

The Lakers still have more hardship exemptions available to them if they so choose. Perhaps Thomas' one-day teammate with the G League Gold, who's also looking for an NBA comeback, would like to join his old friend LeBron once again. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports