Lakers Rumors: LA Interested in New Isaiah Thomas Contract Despite Surgery

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in re-signing guard Isaiah Thomas this offseason despite an upcoming procedure on his hip, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Lakers announced Wednesday that Thomas will undergo a scope on his hip Thursday, which will require an "extended rehabilitation process."

Prior to the trade deadline, L.A. acquired Thomas, Channing Frye and a first-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.

Wojnarowski also reported that Lakers head coach Luke Walton feels Thomas has had a positive impact on the team's younger players.

Although the Lakers are expected to be in the hunt to sign the likes of LeBron James and Paul George in free agency, Wojnarowski added that re-signing Thomas to a short-term deal could be a direction L.A. goes in if it is unable to make a big splash.

The 29-year-old Thomas missed the start of the 2017-18 season following a trade from the Boston Celtics to the Cavs due to his hip ailment.

He largely struggled in 15 games with the Cavaliers, but he has improved in Los Angeles.

In 17 games with the Lakers, the two-time All-Star is averaging 15.6 points, 5.0 assists and 2.1 rebounds per contest. He is also shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from long range.

Although his production is a far cry from the 28.9 points per game Thomas put up last season, he has been a useful bench contributor for the up-and-coming Lakers.

Lonzo Ball is L.A.'s long-term starter at point guard, but he still has a long way to go in terms of learning how to score the basketball, and Thomas could be an ideal mentor in that regard.

There is no question that Thomas' hip will be a concern moving forward considering how much it has impacted him this season, but he appears to be a strong fit in Los Angeles provided he is willing to sign at a reduced price.