Lakers News: Team signs rookie Thomas Bryant to two year deal

The latest Lakers news is about them deciding to sign another 2017 rookie.

At the center position, the Lakers are looking like they’re all in on the plan to depend on young bigs. Ivica Zubac has incredible potential, and the issue of depth and talent seems like it’ll be answered for now by Thomas Bryant.

Brook Lopez will obviously be starting at the moment, but Zubac and Bryant aren’t bad back ups at all. By all means, the Lakers did a tremendous job with this year’s rookie class.

Between Lonzo Ball’s exciting passing, Kyle Kuzma’s insane excellence at Summer League, and the potential of Thomas Bryant, there’s a lot to love. Also, Josh Hart is going to find himself right in the mix behind Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and in some combination alongside Jordan Clarkson.

According to a report from SB Nation, the deal is only guaranteed for one season. After that, a team option comes into play and the next decision can be made from there.

Per the report:

"Bryant had an up-and-down Las Vegas Summer League run, but ultimately proved to be an interesting prospect to develop. He was brought in as a project big man who has potential to become a floor-spacing big man on offense and hustle player on defense."

Another reason to think that this signing was a solid move is the fact that the Lakers need to surround their other talent with young guys down low. Sure, it’s great to have a young forward tandem, or guard combo — but why leave the big guys out?

Now, or at least so it seems, the Lakers have their young core rounded out. It’s no longer a guard here or a forward there — it’s expanded to every position.

Bryant will have plenty to prove as a rookie in Los Angeles, particularly coming in on a one year deal. This means that no matter what, he has to impress the front office and in all likelihood his teammates to get a new contract.

On the front office side of things, this is a move that helps prepare for next summer. It’s seem inevitable that Los Angeles is going to make another run at all of the big names on the market.

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