Lakers Rumors: Predicting each Rookies’ stat-line next season
By Jason Reed
Thomas Bryant
Predicted stat-line: 3.3 RPG, 0.2 APG, 3.0 RPG, 0.6 BPG
The last selection for the Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, Thomas Bryant came off the board with the 42nd overall pick. Bryant, coming out of Indiana, could have some upside as a role playing big man for the Lakers in the future. However, with everyone ahead of him, chances are that Bryant will not see the court fairly often in his rookie campaign.
Just at center, Bryant has Brook Lopez, Ivica Zubac, and possibly Tarik Black ahead of him in the depth chart. While a move to power forward may be better suited for his play style, there he has Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr, and Kyle Kuzma ahead of him. Bryant is the odd man out, and we will see that in 2017.
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However, that is not to say that someday we may see Bryant become a significant role player for the Lakers. Lopez is on the last year of an expensive contract, so there is no real chance that the Lakers will bring him back. Also, with a Paul George trade on the table we may see Randle dealt, sliding Bryant up in the depth chart.
Either way, chances are that we won’t see Bryant as a starting caliber player. In today’s NBA he is too small to be a starting center. A bench role is better suited for Bryant, as tough as that pill may be to swallow for him.
If the Lakers can get a good contributor out of a second round pick that should be considered a huge win. But hey, he may shock us all and move his way up to the first unit.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft brings the Lakers optimism
Overall, the Lakers have a promising campaign to look forward to, according to these Lakers rumors. With this draft class in the mix, the Lakers become must-see TV again, which seemingly was all a part of Magic Johnson’s master plan.