Former Lakers Center Can Still Sign With Los Angeles in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers still have a need for center depth. They can turn to a familiar face to fill that need.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of yet another frustrating offseason that has left their fans shaking their heads. Despite entering the offseason with very obvious needs of more size, length, and athleticism, especially in the frontcourt, the Lakers have yet to make a big splash this summer. So far, they have replaced Dorian Finney-Smith with Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton as their only offseason moves.

This will almost certainly not help the Lakers become true championship contenders next season. A center rotation that consists of Ayton and Jaxson Hayes will not compete in the star-studded Western Conference. Not only is more talent needed there, but there is also a clear necessity for more competent bodies.

Lakers Must Turn to Free Agent Center Who Had 2 Stints in LA

That is why the Lakers should turn to a familiar face in free agency. Former Lakers center Thomas Bryant remains unsigned on the open market, and a return to LA could benefit both sides.

Bryant, who started his NBA career with the Lakers after being acquired in a draft-day trade back in 2017, has had a journeyman's career. He made a return to the Lakers in the 2022 offseason before getting traded to the Nuggets at the 2023 trade deadline, where he won his first NBA title. The 27-year-old came agonizingly close to another championship this past season as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

After his contract came to an end in Indiana, Bryant is looking for his next opportunity. The former Laker has his moments during the Pacers' playoff run, playing over eight minutes per game in 20 appearances. The 6-foot-10 center isn't the most versatile or effective defender, but he is a reliable veteran and an underrated offensive player. Bryant is a solid rebounder, decent mid-range and three-point shooter, and a good finisher around the basket, as demonstrated by his career 65.2% True Shooting.

Bryant is not going to change the fate of the franchise, but he is likely an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes. He could be a good pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop partner for Luka Doncic, and that is something most free agents the Lakers can sign at this point on a veteran's minimum can't provide.

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