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Los Angeles Lakers: What Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, Thomas Bryant can bring

By Matthew Babic

Feb 13, 2017; Rosemont, IL, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the first half against the DePaul Blue Demons at the Allstate Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Rosemont, IL, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the first half against the DePaul Blue Demons at the Allstate Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers: What Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, Thomas Bryant can bring
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Bryant

With the 42nd pick in the NBA draft, the Lakers selected 6’10 center, Thomas Bryant, who played two years for the Indiana Hoosiers.

During his final season with Indiana, Bryant averaged 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks, shooting 51.9% from the field.

One of the main reasons for this Lakers selection most likely is Bryant’s impressive physical profile, highlighted by his fantastic 7’6 wingspan. Despite limited mobility, his length gives him the potential to protect the paint and fight for rebounds at the NBA level.

This potential was illustrated during his time with the Hoosiers, as Bryant ranked seventh in the Big Ten in blocks per game, as well as eighth in total rebound percentage in his freshman year.

In addition, although not as effective this year, Bryant demonstrated his ability to score inside. He was first in 2-point percentage, converting an impressive 70.7% from inside the arc. Thus, providing the Lakers with a potential future scoring option down low, as well as a player that is able to run the floor in transition.

Lastly, Where Bryant can really help the Lakers is with his ability to shoot the ball from deep. Last season he shot 38.3 percent on just under two three-point attempts per game. This could provide the team with a stretch big that is able to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates.

Next: Full 2017 NBA Draft First Round Grades

Conclusion

In sum, the clear trend among these players is their potential ability to make an impact on the defensive end, while also providing valuable three-point shooting, both of which the Lakers need as they struggled in each of these categories last season, and will assuredly need to improve these areas if they wish to have more success in the 2017-2018 NBA season.

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