Isaiah Thomas apparently arrived in Los Angeles with a positive attitude, indicating that he was ready to “have fun again” with a new organization after what many would characterize (at least from the outside) as a relatively miserable stretch in Cleveland. Then, the former All-Star guard actually looked rejuvenated in his Lakers debut, scoring 22 points on 13 shots, dishing out six assists and generally operating with more pep in his step.
With that combination as the backdrop, Thomas addressed the media on Monday and, in short, he doubled down on his positive mojo, including a reference to getting his “joy back” in his new home.
Isaiah Thomas on his hip: "I mean, this is the first real practice I had all year. Let's see how my hip responds tomorrow with the soreness & things like that, but I'm here. I'm here & I'm happy. Got my joy back & I'm ready to put on a show for the Lakers.” #LakeShow
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 12, 2018
Beyond the individual optimism from Thomas, he managed to throw a bit of shade in Cleveland’s direction, reemphasizing a previous claim about players going in “separate” ways when adversity arrives.
Isaiah Thomas on Lakers’ young talent: "That makes it easier on the floor when you go to battle. When you hit adversity, you don't go your separate ways. You keep going, & I think in this org everybody's here to play for each other & have a positive mindset when it comes to it."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 12, 2018
It is becoming clearer by the hour that Thomas and the Cavs were never on the same page and, of course, Cleveland looked fantastic in its first game with a new cast of characters on Sunday afternoon in Boston. On the bright side, though, Thomas playing well and being in a better head space is a good thing, especially given the fact that he is set to enter free agency in a handful of months after putting some ugly basketball film together in Cleveland and battling the worry about his hip following surgery.
Thomas ending up in Los Angeles and, more importantly, away from Cleveland is best for all parties and, even if the shade level is high right now by all involved, there is room for upbeat tone.
