Lakers’ Isaiah Thomas to have hip surgery, ending season

FILE – In this Monday, March 19, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers’ Isaiah Thomas argues a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. Thomas will have season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right hip, the team announced Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists in 17 games with the Lakers, who acquired him from Cleveland in February. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas will have arthroscopic surgery on his right hip, ending his season.

The Lakers announced the decision Wednesday before their game against Dallas. Los Angeles (32-41) already is eliminated from playoff contention for the franchise-record fifth consecutive season.

Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists in 17 games with the Lakers, who acquired him from Cleveland in February. His hip problems also limited him to just 15 appearances with the Cavaliers.

Thomas will have surgery Thursday. The procedure typically requires months of rehabilitation.

Thomas is a two-time All-Star selection who will be a free agent this summer. He has expressed interest in staying with Los Angeles, but the Lakers will first attempt to sign two elite free agents to maximum contracts.