Lakers News: Isaiah Thomas Says He's 'No Sixth Man' Ahead of Free Agency

Isaiah Thomas' walk year hasn't gone as planned, but that hasn't affected his confidence in his game.

When asked about his impending free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers guard made it clear he is no bench player, per Sam Amick of USA Today:

"I'm not no sixth man. And I won't be a sixth man [in the future]. I just want everybody to know that, like clear as can be. I'm a two-time All-Star and a starter who has done things that a lot of people in this league haven't done [when] given that opportunity."

The 29-year-old is just one year removed from finishing fifth in the NBA MVP voting.

After averaging a career-high 28.9 points with the Boston Celtics last season, it appeared Thomas was on his way to a big payday when he reached free agency. However, a hip injury and an offseason trade changed everything.

Thomas averaged just 14.7 points on 36.1 percent shooting from the floor, including just 25.3 percent from beyond the arc, in 15 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before he was shipped off to the Lakers at the trade deadline, the seven-year veteran was in the middle of the drama that plagued the reigning Eastern Conference champs, as recapped by The Ringer's Paolo Uggetti.

In 14 games wearing purple and gold, Thomas is averaging 16.7 points on 39.6 percent shooting from the floor and 35.6 percent from downtown. That he has only started once is possibly the most notable part of his Lakers tenure. While he's not pleased with coming off the bench, he is intent on being "a professional" about his current status.

"But I got traded into a situation I can't control," Thomas told Amick. "There's nothing bad against [Lakers coach] Luke Walton. There's nothing bad against the Los Angeles Lakers. I'm taking advantage of the opportunity they've given me, and then [we'll] end the season off strong."

Thomas is on a run of three straight 20-point games and has five so far in March. Although he would prefer to be in the starting lineup, he is making the most of his opportunities regardless of how he earns his minutes.

There's no question Thomas' stock has dropped this season. However, if he can show teams he is healthy and regain some of his old form, being a team player with the Lakers will only add to his value this offseason.

But he has made one thing clear to any team interested in signing him this summer: He's not going to come off the bench.