On February 6, 2012, Thomas was called up by the New Orleans Hornets, signing a 10-day contract with the team.
He later signed a second 10-day contract on February 16, and a multi-year deal on February 27.

In 2012–13, Thomas played in 59 games for the Hornets, averaging 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
In April 2013, the Hornets were renamed the New Orleans Pelicans.

On July 10, 2013, Thomas was waived by the Pelicans.
He later re-signed with the Pelicans on August 22, but he managed just five games for the team in 2013–14 before be was waived again on November 12.
In 106 games for New Orleans over three seasons, he averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.
On February 6, 2012, Thomas was called up by the New Orleans Hornets, signing a 10-day contract with the team. He later signed a second 10-day contract on February 16, and a multi-year deal on February 27.
In 2012–13, Thomas played in 59 games for the Hornets, averaging 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. In April 2013, the Hornets were renamed the New Orleans Pelicans.
On July 10, 2013, Thomas was waived by the Pelicans. He later re-signed with the Pelicans on August 22, but he managed just five games for the team in 2013–14 before be was waived again on November 12. In 106 games for New Orleans over three seasons, he averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.
Lance Thomas