Thomas Bryant has returned back to Los Angeles Lakers. Six years after being drafted by the Lakers and four years after moving on from the franchise, Thomas Bryant has reportedly agreed to a deal to don the purple and gold once more, according to the media.
While in Washington, Bryant blossomed into a modern big man capable of stretching the floor. The Lakers waived Bryant in 2018 to keep Moritz Wagner and Ivica Zubac, neither of whom lasted long. After drafting Bryant in the second round in 2018, the Lakers waived him. Now that he’s back, he says his absence helped him grow as a player and person.
Bryant averaged 11.8 points on 60.4% overall shooting and 37.4% 3-point shooting in his first three seasons with the Wizards. A knee injury 10 games into 2020-21 ended his season.
Bryant returned over a year after the injury, but he suffered with rust in 2021-22. Despite coming off a 3-year, $25 million deal, he was forced to sign a lower deal at age 24. He carefully considered his decision to ensure a good outcome.
Thomas Bryant return gives a push to LA Lakers’ shooting centre
He gives the Lakers some much-needed shooting, especially in the front court, where they need it the most. During most of LeBron James’ time with the Lakers, they haven’t had a 3-point shooting centre on the team. If he can get back to his pre-injury form, his shooting and spacing give the Lakers a different dynamic that they really missed last season.
Bryant played for the Washington Wizards for the past four seasons. After coming back from a torn ACL, he seems ready to play a role in the Lakers’ rotation. With Damian Jones and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles has put together a good frontcourt rotation.
The big man had plenty of offers from other teams, but he said that the people who work for the Lakers helped convince him to come back to L.A.
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