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Lakers: Ex-Laker Thomas Bryant developing nicely for Washington

By George Middleton

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have had tremendous success in finding players after the lottery recently. One gem they found was Thomas Bryant. Unfortunately, the Lakers didn’t keep him long enough to find that out.

Over the last few years, the Lakers have found late draft steals. Kyle Kuzma was taken with the 27th pick in the 2017 draft. Bryant went 42nd in that same draft, In 2018, the Lakers drafted Moritz Wagner (25th), Svi Mykhailiuk (47th). Ivica Zubac (32nd in 2016) and Larry Nance (27th in 2015) were also draft steals in their class.

This comes after the Lakers consistently went dry in the draft for years.

From 2008-2013 the Lakers didn’t draft anyone with relevance in the league today. The best player the Lakers drafted in that stretch was Patrick Beverley (42nd) in 2009. Beverley was traded immediately to Miami for a second-round pick in 2011 and cash considerations.

As a rookie, it didn’t appear that Bryant would be a draft-day steal.  It wasn’t entirely Bryant’s fault as he didn’t get much of an opportunity. He only played 15 games in his rookie season, averaging 1.5 points in 4.8 minutes. In the G-League that season he averaged 19.7 points and 7.4 rebounds. That offseason he was claimed by the Washington Wizards off waivers.

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In his first season with the Wizards, he averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 21 minutes. He did this while shooting an incredible 61% from the field. The big man played so well that the Wizards rewarded him with a three-year, $25 million contract.

Last season Thomas Bryant averaged 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 10 games before suffering a torn ACL injury. In the 2019-20 season, he averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in 25 minutes. Bryant shot an impressive 58% from the field and 41% from three.

The good news for the Wizards is that Bryant is already working out and showing a ton of progress. Bryant is a huge part of the Wizards’ future as he is a big who can stretch the floor out and is as efficient as they come.

This season big things are expected from him once he returns to the floor. The center will be a free agent at the end of the season. Look for Bryant to have his best season this year. With Russell Westbrook gone to the Lakers, the Wizards will be in need of more offense from Bryant.

On a team like the Lakers that lacks true bigs after Davis, Dwight Howard, and Marc Gasol, they surely could’ve used Bryant’s game. His ability to shoot it makes him even more intriguing.

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Look for Bryant to average around 16 points and 9 rebounds this year for the Wizards. The key for Bryant will be his health going forward. Coming off a scary injury like that is something that can’t be taken lightly, especially for big men.

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