Free-agent center Thomas Bryant reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal, according to league sources.
Bryant will be given the opportunity to win the starting center position, sources said.
He was courted by the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Utah Jazz, sources said.
Bryant returns to Los Angeles, where he spent his rookie season with the Lakers after being a second-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
He was waived in 2018 and signed with the Washington Wizards, where he spent the past four seasons.
He suffered a torn ACL in January 2021 but returned a year later and played in 27 games in the 2021-22 season.
His career averages are 10.2 points shooting 59 percent from the field, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Thomas Bryant returns to Los Angeles to a vastly different roster than the one he was drafted on.
In 2017, the Lakers featured a roster that included Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram among a team full of youth.
Now, Bryant comes on board as the Lakers look to recapture the magic of 2020 while aiding LeBron James’ quest for a 5th title.
He will also play an important role in helping Anthony Davis, who has had trouble staying healthy during the course of a season.