Thomas Bryant is headed to his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, Bryant has agreed to a one-year deal to sign with the Lakers. He’ll have the chance to land the starting center position.
Bryant began his NBA career with the Lakers in 2017. However he was waived after his rookie season by the Lakers.
The Washington Wizards claimed Bryant off waivers and gave him an opportunity to prove himself in the NBA.
Bryant spent four seasons with the Wizards. Among his highlights in Washington, Bryant scored a career-high 31 points on 14-of-14 shooting from the field on December 22, 2018. That season he started 53 games and averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds.
He inked a three-year, $25 million extension after just his first season with Washington. His averages climbed over the next two seasons.
He was having a career-year in the 2020-21 season in which he averaged 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds through 10 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL that prematurely ended his season.
He rehabbed his way back to the team last season, eventually playing in 27 games. His numbers dipped to 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds. He became buried on the depth chart by Daniel Gafford, Montrezl Harrell and Kristaps Porzingis. The Wizards acquired each player over two seasons in trades following Bryant’s ACL tear.
Bryant will now get the opportunity to be back in the starting lineup with the Lakers. He’ll be playing alongside LeBron James in the process.
Bryant shoots 59.0% from the field. He also shoots 35% from three. He can stretch the floor and pick and pop. Attributes that James can use along with Fellow big man Anthony Davis.
Bryant gives the Lakers flexibility at center that they missed during last year’s disappointing season.
