The Los Angeles Lakers have had an impressive offseason. Having made some critical signings in free agency, the Purple and Gold appear to be an improved and more balanced roster heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
The Lakers were one of the teams that explicitly mentioned their roster needs. While emphasizing their need for upgrades in the center rotation, the front office delivered by signing Deandre Ayton, successfully acquiring a starting-caliber center on a team-friendly contract.
Ayton’s addition is a significant upgrade. With the additional offseason development of Jaxson Hayes and the return of Maxi Kleber to full strength, the Purple and Gold may boast a solid big man rotation.
However, given their title aspirations, the franchise may not be formidable enough to go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league.
To solidify the depth of their big man rotation, the Lakers could target another potential center. Among these, ex-Laker and former NBA champion Thomas Bryant may prove to be a viable option.
Bryant has carved out an impressive career for himself in the league. After being drafted by the Lakers with the 42nd overall pick, the big man showed a lot of promise during his rookie season. While showcasing impressive coordination, Bryant presented a lot of potential as a pick-and-roll big man and a presence in the low post.
His first stint with the Purple and Gold ended after his rookie season, as he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2018. This move proved to be quite positive, as it allowed him to earn relevant playing time and develop.
With the Wizards, Bryant developed into a reliable contributor. While becoming a key member in the team’s rotation, he gradually increased his production, even averaging a career-high 14.3 points to go with 6.1 rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season. Unfortunately, this campaign was cut short after the former second-round pick suffered an ACL injury.
Bryant eventually returned to the Lakers briefly for the 2022-23 season, where he stepped up in the absence of Anthony Davis and earned praise for his interior presence and scoring.
During his 41 games with the Purple and Gold, he notched an average of 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, showcasing the ability to be productive when given an opportunity.
Although he eventually went on to join the Denver Nuggets midway through the season, this move proved to be favorable, as he gained invaluable experience as a member of a championship squad.
Since his time in Denver, Bryant has been with the Miami Heat and, most recently, the Indiana Pacers last season. With the Pacers, the 28-year-old played the role of a backup center. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds, while shooting 50.8% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range.
When considering Bryant’s career trajectory and development, it is surprising to see him still available on the free-agent market. But this could also be an opportunity for the Lakers to make a move.
Having made a trip to the NBA Finals with the Pacers, it is evident that Bryant has racked up experience in the playoffs, making him a solid presence on the bench and in the locker room.
When also considering his flexibility as an inside presence and as a floor spacer, the Purple and Gold could benefit from adding him to the bench rotation. Although his first two stints with the team were short-lived, the Lakers could look to play him in a more significant capacity if they bring him back for a third. Adding him would also prove to be valuable insurance in case of any injuries.
The Lakers currently have one free roster spot, which they are likely to keep vacant until the deadline. Los Angeles could be leveraging this, as reports suggest that they will be monitoring the performances of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber before making any further decisions.
This opens the door for a potential reunion with Bryant. However, given the amount of time until the deadline, the 28-year-old may find himself signing with a different team before the Purple and Gold can make a move.
