The Los Angeles Lakers have moved methodically throughout much of this offseason building a team through young talent.
In line with that mindset, Shams Charania of The Vertical is reporting that the Lakers have reached an agreement on a deal with rookie center Thomas Bryant.
Sources: Lakers and No. 42 overall pick Thomas Bryant of Indiana have agreed to a guaranteed deal for next season, with '18-19 team option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 27, 2017
Bryant is the last of the four draft picks that the Lakers made last month with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart all already inking their respective deals earlier this summer. It had come to be expected that Bryant would work out a deal given how he played in the Las Vegas Summer League showing his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor in his limited playing time.
The Lakers' decision to hammer out a deal with Bryant came with ease as it allows for them to maintain financial flexibility for next summer where they expect to be major players for some of the top free agents.
Lakers want to maintain as much flexibility for pursuit in free agency next year, and found an agreement with Bryant. https://t.co/SwaNTmErYr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 27, 2017
Bryant had spent two seasons at the collegiate level with Indiana where he averaged 12.2 points with 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game. He will have an opportunity to carve out a consistent role off the bench in his rookie campaign competing for minutes with second-year center Ivica Zubac behind offseason addition Brook Lopez.
Follow Us
Subscribe