It is well known by now that point guard Isaiah Thomas grew up as a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. That is because his father was a big fan of the team and Thomas’ name came about because of a lost bet by his dad.
Thomas became a member of his favorite childhood team at the trade deadline over a month ago when the Cleveland Cavaliers dealt him after just 15 games played. So far, Thomas has been a big part of the Lakers’ improved play on the court, while also getting a taste of the off-the-court expectations that come with being a part of the historic franchise.
Those expectations aren’t a negative for Thomas, however. In the latest edition of Lakers Voices, Thomas spoke about the expectations of greatness that comes with being a member of the Lakers and why he considers it a good thing:
“There’s always expectations when you play for one of the pillars of the NBA. You’re expected to win, you’re expected to be great. They experience so many NBA championships that losing is not an option. No matter what the circumstances are. That’s always good to be around. That’s being a Laker. They’ve had so many great players before me. So many great players that have played in this organization that have been Hall-of-Famers, that’s been MVPs. You can’t be mediocre here. You’ve got to want to be great, and you’ve got to want to work towards that. That’s the good thing about being a Laker.”
Growing up as a fan of the team, Thomas understands all of the greatness that came before he ever wore the purple and gold and he wants to continue that. The fact remains that being a part of the Lakers comes with attention and pressure unlike any other NBA franchise and Thomas embraces that.
His future with the team remains a question mark as he is an unrestricted free agent after this season. For the time he is a member of this team however, Thomas will gladly take on everything that comes with being a member of the Lakers and that is all anyone can ask.
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