Big moves have been expected from the Los Angeles Lakers for a long time now. Fans of the legendary franchise were not happy with them standing still and potentially missing the playoffs once again. And Rob Pelinka has answered in style, moving on from Russell Westbrook to fill out their roster and making other promising moves like acquiring Rui Hachimura.
The latest move the Lakers have made on trade deadline day could prove to be a surprise to many people, though. One of the few bright spots of their season had been the emergence of Thomas Bryant. With Anthony Davis injured, it was Bryant that stepped up to put in some big performances, averaging about 12 points and almost 7 rebounds per game this season.
So many might not have expected it when it was announced that the Lakers were trading him to the Denver Nuggets for Davon Reed and 3 second-round picks. But it’s not that the Lakers wanted to move on from the big man despite him outplaying his contract. How it played out was that Bryant himself wanted to be allowed to go somewhere else if reports are to be believed.
Ramona Shelburne Says Thomas Bryant Wasn’t Pleased With Losing Minutes Once Anthony Davis Returned
Now, why would a player thriving on a team that was going in the right direction want to move away? Ramona Shelburne gave insight into the situation after the trade was announced, explaining why this unexpected move took place.
Bryant had grown unhappy with his diminished PT since AD returned and asked LAL to look for a better situation. He’d also outplayed his contract & LA only has mid-level to re-sign him— so they opted to give his minutes to Wenyen Gabriel & replenish the picks they gave up for Rui. https://t.co/OLaVrB9AkN
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 9, 2023
“Bryant had grown unhappy with his diminished PT since AD returned and asked LAL to look for a better situation. He’d also outplayed his contract & LA only has mid-level to re-sign him— so they opted to give his minutes to Wenyen Gabriel & replenish the picks they gave up for Rui.”
Thomas Bryant had certainly become a valuable player for the Los Angeles Lakers, but there was a lot more for them to consider. Anthony Davis is quite literally the key for any chances they think they have at a title, so losing minutes to him is something that was bound to happen.
It makes sense, then, for Rob Pelinka to have flipped Bryant while he still had good value, especially now that they have a good inside presence in Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers will have to hope that Davis stays healthy, though, because Thomas Bryant is no longer around to plug the gap.
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