Of course, Thomas won't be able to perform as well as he did in the Celtics, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is still capable of scoring 10-12 points per game. Also, I think his low stats for the previous season don't matter because he played only three games for the Pelicans.

I agree, but he could be a good floor spacer if they need one and Lakers are signing in short contract deals so I guess that's the reason why he floated in the conversation. He is not that good anymore but he ain't also that bad.
He was also hyped because of this. LOOK: Isaiah Thomas scores 81 points at Crawsover Pro-Am game
Yes. I think this is the media and the fans adding more fuel to the rumors from the work out with Lebron and WB.
https://sports.yahoo.com/report-lakers-worked-isaiah-thomas-144023614.html
Let's see what the Lakers will really do but I really doubt about taking a risk trading some of their players for Patrick Beverley.

Obviously 81 points is good but that's still not the NBA. It all went down for him because of the injury and the way he or his agent handled the contract negotiation with the Celtics. I don't blame him for making demands but there's just too many talent who are younger and less injury prone that the Celtics could pick to replace him. He should have known better.

It's hard to put a guy who cannot achieve their wants and for sure they will suffer the addition if Thomas cannot meet their expectation to him, Maybe best for lakers to get a fresh legs which can help LBJ,AD and Westbrook on the court. I don't mean IT is a bad player but we know that he is not on his prime anymore and to many disadvantages if lakers will get him( This is just my opinion but let see how the journey to get back on NBA goes).

He is not in his prime not because of his age but because of the injury, he suffered when he was still playing with his past team Boston Celtics. He is only 32 years old, if he did not suffer the injury, he could still be one of the best PG now and he could have a maximum contract.

The LA Lakers is a rich team, they know if they what they are doing, they would not acquire a player if they know it would not contribute to the team's goal.

IT is a liability in defence, but it will not have a big effect on the Lakers as they have other 4 players on the floor that are good defensively. They can take care of the shaded area as James and Davis will are good defenders, so it's still good if they'll acquire IT. Attitude is very important and I think Pat does not have that and it will cause his team's chemistry a problem in the long run.

I don't know the track record of Van Exel but I know he is one of the great players in the NBA back in 90's IIRC.  Hawks had an unexpected run last season, they don't change their lineup, they just need to ensure that they are healthy next season especially their star player Trae Young.

When he is on the Celtics, he is like the superstar of the team. He is the smallest on the court but he is scoring big shots after big shots. From an average player when he is on the Kings to a superstar-like player when he is on that team. All of that gone like *poof* just because of the injuries.

The IT that we know that time isn't the IT we know anymore but I think that he can still be help the Lakers. Maybe he can give him a 10 day deal like what Pelicans gave to him last season (although nothing happened after that 10 day contract). I still believe that he can still be a big scorer. The only problem with him is that his height is very short if you will put him on a shooting guard position. The only position for him is PG and unfortunately Westbrook took that spot already. Maybe he can still help their bench.

Yes, that was a good move by the Hawks.

Instead of the roster revamped, the Hawks intend to stay with the same lineup they have last season. They have a good run last season and I think only a few will think that they will reach a Conference Finals or even pass the first round. A good decision to give their youngsters a chance to adjust.

Van Excel's experience as part of the development team of several teams to being an assistant coach will surely help the Hawks youngsters