Not too long ago, Isaiah Thomas said that wherever he ends up this summer in NBA free agency, he doesn't want to be a backup. However, it appears as though now he may have changed his tune on his future.

It was only recently that the Los Angeles Lakers point guard said to USA Today's Sam Amick that he was not looking for a backup role in free agency this summer, saying: "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."

However, Thomas has had a slight change of tune. While he still sees himself as a starter, he has said to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times that he wouldn’t rule out a return to the team later this year, even if he was only a backup on the team.

He said: "I like it here, I like the situation I'm in, the system, coaching staff. Organization's been great to me. If things work out I would love to be here. You just never know. With free agency you've got to keep your options open. I have no complaints since I've stepped foot and put a Laker uniform on."

Although Thomas is now open to taking on a reserve role, he still has high ambitions of being one of the best players in the NBA today. He said as well that he wants to get the Lakers youngsters on his page and mindset so that the team can perform at the highest level.

He said: “I want to be great. I want to win MVP, I want to continue to be an All-Star. Their goals probably aren’t that yet. Coming straight into the league especially at 19, 20 years old. They’re in it for the experience just to figure things out on their own.

"And then on top of getting to the playoffs and winning championships, I want all that and it might not be their mindset yet. But at the same time being on this team I’m trying to put that in their heads that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Why not think big?”

In 31 games this season since returning from his injury which kept him out at the beginning of the season, Thomas is averaging 15.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Due to his drop in performances, it will be interesting to see if he can get the long-term contract he desires.

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