Could a familiar face be returning to the Purple and Gold? After a stellar offseason, the Lakers are reportedly eyeing a reunion with a former champion big man to bolster their roster depth. This could be the move that truly makes them unstoppable, but is time running out to seal the deal?
The Los Angeles Lakers have meticulously crafted an impressive offseason, strategically making critical signings in free agency to forge what appears to be a more improved and remarkably balanced roster, setting a formidable stage for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA campaign.
Early in their offseason planning, the Lakers front office explicitly identified a pressing need for substantial upgrades within their center rotation, a crucial area they successfully addressed through targeted acquisitions, most notably securing the talents of Deandre Ayton.
The addition of a player of Ayton’s caliber represents a significant enhancement to the team’s interior presence. When combined with other strategic adjustments and the overall composition of their frontcourt, the Purple and Gold are poised to boast a remarkably solid and versatile big man rotation.
However, to truly solidify and deepen their big man options, the Lakers are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring another experienced center. Among the viable candidates emerging, former Laker and NBA champion Thomas Bryant presents a compelling and potentially impactful option for the franchise.
Bryant has carved out a respectable and developing career in the league since being drafted by the Lakers. After a promising rookie season showcasing impressive coordination and potential as a pick-and-roll big man and low-post presence, his first stint with the Purple and Gold concluded with a move to the Wizards in 2018, where he flourished into a reliable contributor, even averaging a career-high 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in the 2020-21 season before an ACL injury.
His eventual brief return to the Lakers for the 2022-23 season saw him step up admirably in the absence of key players, earning significant praise for his interior defense and unexpected scoring prowess. During his 41 games, he consistently delivered, averaging 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds, unequivocally demonstrating his capability to be highly productive when afforded the opportunity.
Considering Bryant’s consistent career trajectory, his proven ability to contribute meaningfully, and recent playoff experience with the Pacers, it remains somewhat surprising that he is still available on the free-agent market. This unusual availability, however, could present a golden opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a shrewd, impactful move.
The Lakers currently maintain one open roster spot, a strategic vacancy they are likely to preserve until closer to the trade deadline. This calculated patience suggests the team is carefully assessing all available options and market dynamics before committing to any further decisions, leaving the door ajar for a potential reunion with Bryant.
Yet, the window of opportunity may be narrowing. Given the considerable time remaining until the trade deadline, there’s a tangible risk that the 28-year-old Thomas Bryant, a proven NBA Champion, could sign with a different team before the Purple and Gold finalize their strategic plans, urging a decisive move if they wish to secure his valuable services.
