Magic Johnson: Lonzo Ball Is Lakers' Starting PG Despite Isaiah Thomas Trade

Even with the addition of Isaiah Thomas prior to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers intend to keep Lonzo Ball in the starting lineup. 

Per Bill Oram of the Southern California News Group, Lakers president Magic Johnson said Thomas' presence "hasn't changed" that Ball is their starting point guard. 

The Lakers acquired Thomas, Channing Frye and a 2018 first-round draft pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., per an official announcement from the Cavs. 

Thomas made two consecutive All-Star teams in 2016 and 2017 as a point guard for the Eastern Conference. He finished fifth in NBA MVP voting last season after leading the Boston Celtics to a 53-29 record and averaging a career-high 28.9 points per game. 

After missing the first 36 games this season with a hip injury, Thomas has averaged just 14.7 points in 15 games and is shooting a career-low 36.1 percent. 

Ball, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Lakers in June, has missed the last 11 games with a sprained knee. The 20-year-old leads the team with 7.1 assists and ranks second with 7.1 rebounds per game, but he's only shooting 35.6 percent overall.