Ex-Laker Reveals He's on the Verge of Retirement

It's the time of the summer when there isn't a whole lot of basketball to discuss outside of the NBA Summer League. The draft is firmly in the rearview mirror while all of the big-name free agents have already been scooped up, leaving NBA fans to find creative ways to kill time until the 2024-25 regular season arrives.

One fun activity is to check in on how a franchise's former players are doing — especially those who are free agents looking for new homes. Several former Los Angeles Lakers are still doing what they can to earn that next contract, including veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas, who played parts of two seasons with the franchise.

Thomas, 35, is still hopeful that he can find an NBA job after playing with the Phoenix Suns last season, however, it looks like his next contract could possibly be his last.

Lakers News: Isaiah Thomas has 'Year or 2' Left in NBA

On Sunday, ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth spoke with Thomas about his future as he was taking in the Summer League festivities with his sons in Las Vegas. The two-time NBA All-Star revealed that he's "talking to a few teams" about a potential contract and that his goal is "to play a year or two more."

Even though he didn't openly admit it, it's clear that retirement is on Thomas' mind. Saying that he only plans to play for a couple more seasons implies that the end is near, which isn't surprising based on his 2023-24 performance.

""I want to play a year or two more [in the NBA]. Just staying on the slow grind, staying patiently ready, and knowing that I can impact an organization whether I play or not... I'm just waiting for the call. "

- Isaiah Thomas

The ex-Washington point guard joined the Phoenix Suns on multiple 10-day contracts last season. He failed to make the most of the 3.2 minutes he averaged across six appearances, putting up just 1.3 points with a 30.0% field-goal percentage. He played four minutes in one playoff game, too, but failed to score on his two FG attempts.

If you forgot that the 'King of the Fourth' played for the Lakers, no one would blame you. Thomas only appeared in 21 total games across his two stints (2018 and 2022), averaging 14.4 points, 4.3 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and .372/.309/.892 shooting splits. With efficiency like that, it isn't shocking that L.A. never viewed him as a long-term option.

With his best days firmly behind him, it'll be interesting to see if any teams have serious interest in Thomas' services. He's unlikely to be anything more than an end-of-the-bench contributor at this stage of his career, however, that might be enough for a team that's desperate for an experienced locker-room presence.

Lakers fans shouldn't count on a reunion, though. Los Angeles' roster is full with 15 guaranteed contracts, meaning there isn't room for Thomas barring a trade. Having said that, based on his play throughout the last few seasons, it's a good thing that there isn't room.

Nevertheless, best of luck to I.T. with wherever his career takes him next.

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