The 6-foot-10 Bryant, drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2017, gives the team more frontcourt depth and a potential starting center to pair alongside Anthony Davis.
The Lakers are bringing one of their former draft picks back into the fold as a free agent.
The team has agreed to a one-year deal with Thomas Bryant, the 6-foot-10 center who played for the franchise as a rookie, according to a Yahoo Sports report. The 24-year-old has spent the last four seasons with the Washington Wizards after the Lakers waived him in 2018. Bryant has averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in his five-year career. Yahoo Sports reported that Bryant expects to compete for the starting center position – he’s one of two centers the Lakers have signed in free agency along with another returnee, Damian Jones.
Bryant played in just 27 games last season after tearing his ACL in January 2021 and taking a year to recover. His best NBA season was in 2019-20 when he started 36 games and averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting over 40% from 3-point range. The Lakers are looking to implement a four-out, one-in offense favored by new coach Darvin Ham – Bryant’s ability to space the floor could help him crack the rotation as a shooting big man. His production dipped last season after his rehab: He’s coming off 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 28.6% shooting from 3-point range.. He largely played for the G League South Bay Lakers, and after the season, the team opted to keep center Ivica Zubac and waived him instead.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Tweets Emotional Kobe Bryant MessageLakers owner Jeanie Buss took a moment to reflect on her bond with the late, great Kobe Bryant 💜💛
Read more »
Jeanie Buss' cryptic tweet about missing Kobe Bryant left Lakers fans with so many questionsJeanie Buss' cryptic tweet about missing Kobe Bryant left Lakers fans with so many questions.
Read more »
Kris Bryant finally homers but Rockies lose to Dodgers againKris Bryant finally went deep in purple ... and it didn't matter. Via PSaundersDP
Read more »
Lakers’ summer league team blows out Warriors in California ClassicScotty Pippen Jr. sets the pace and Cole Swider makes five more 3-pointers as the Lakers roll to a 100-77 win in San Francisco. The Lakers close the event on Tuesday against Sacramento before headi…
Read more »
Lakers finish 2-1 in California Classic after loss to KingsScotty Pippen Jr., Max Christie and Cole Swider combined to make just four of 20 shots for the Lakers, while Keegan Murray had 24 points for the Kings.
Read more »
Lakers’ summer league team loses to Kings in California Classic finaleJavante McCoy scores 15 points, but the Lakers’ three best rookies combine to shoot 4 for 20 in an 87-75 defeat in San Francisco. The team next faces Phoenix on Friday night in Las Vegas.
Read more »