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Thomas gets 1st start with Lakers vs. Warriors

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Isaiah Thomas got his wish.

The Los Angeles Lakers point guard earned his first start since joining the club Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.

Thomas started alongside Lonzo Ball, who team president Magic Johnson has maintained is the team's starting point guard, despite Thomas hoping for the role since arriving in L.A. from Cleveland at the trade deadline.

Head coach Luke Walton likes what he's seen so far when the two point guards play together.

"I think it's gone great," he told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "I think the best part is having two point guards on the floor, as far as decision-makers, as far (as) being able to run our offense side to side with one of them initiating and getting the defense to make rotation and then the other one gets the ball swung to him into a side pick-and-roll. Just having guys who are both able to make other people better is a nice advantage to have."

Thomas will fill in for Kyle Kuzma, who was ruled out against Golden State with a sprained right ankle. Kuzma suffered the injury Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets and was able to play through it, but was bothered by it Wednesday. He joins starters Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart on the sideline.

Following two straight All-Star campaigns, Thomas is averaging 16.5 points, 5.4 dimes, and 2.2 rebounds in 13 games off the bench in L.A. He'll become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

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