The Los Angeles Lakers addressed their defensive struggles over the offseason by adding Deandre Ayton as their new starting center. Entering the first full season of the Luka Doncic and LeBron James duo, the Lakers made it a point to add a big man and rim protector to pair alongside their offensive superstars. But while general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office put their eggs in the Ayton basket, one of their former players, someone who fits the role they needed, remains available.
After a career reviving year with the Indiana Pacers, Thomas Bryant is still an unsigned free agent nearly three months into the 2025 NBA offseason. Upon ompleting his one year deal with the Pacers, the former Lakers center was named as one of the best available players by Bleacher Report.
“While the 28-year-old’s not known to be a defensive anchor, he’s a credible offensive threat and floor spacer off the bench,” Eric Pincus wrote on Bryant.
Former Lakers Center Still A Free Agent
Bryant played with the Lakers in the 2017-18 and 2022-23 seasons. Neither year was his best, as even after finishing with strong numbers during his second stint, he failed to play more than half a season with the team. Though playing in a total of 56 games, his time in Los Angeles is also remembered for where he was when James became the all-time points leader.
Coming off a deal with Indiana for $2.8 million, Bryant would have been a bargain deal for the Lakers. He’s played mostly off the bench over the last years, but as seen during the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals, he proved to be a valuable addition. Bryant’s numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, but playing with a second unit, he rivals nearly all of the NBA’s backup centers.
For his career, Bryant has averaged 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, an assist, and 0.7 blocks on 58.2% shooting. But instead, the Lakers chose to sign Ayton, albeit for a much larger amount. While both Ayton and Bryant lack the top-tier defensive qualities, they are relatively similar on that side of the floor.
Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber will be tasked to man the middle for Los Angeles next year, on a combined $22 million. Bryant would likely come in for cheaper and on an upward trajectory in his career, but for now, he remains on the market. The Lakers will likely be active in terms of roster transactions as the year goes on, meaning if still available during the season, they could target him as a proven backup big man.
New Team In The Mix For Bryant
But while the Lakers would benefit from adding a player like Bryant, there is no guarantee he’ll be around for long. While still unsigned, the center has been linked to multiple teams during the offseason.
First, Bryant was reported to be close to signing with Panathinaikos in Greece after they lost out on Jonas Valanciunas. While he would have likely found success playing in EuroBasket, those reports never became anything factual.
Most recently, Bryant was reported as potentially being the newest member of the New York Knicks, the team he helped Indiana beat during their postseason run. Earlier this summer, SNY writer David Vertsberger discussed the Knicks adding Bryant as another layer to their frontcourt depth.
“Signing a depth piece at the position like Thomas Bryant gives them more security in case injuries hit,” he wrote. “Fans will remember Bryant from his timely threes against the Knicks in the conference finals.”
Weeks later, SNY’s Ian Begley reported the franchise brought in Bryant for a workout.
“The Knicks have also had other veteran free agents in for workouts lately,” Begley wrote. “Thomas Bryant, who played well against New York in the Eastern Conference Finals with Indiana, has been in New York for open gym workouts and really impressed the Knicks, per SNY league sources.”
While New York has made other recent roster decisions, Bryant was not one of them. As the 2025-26 season nears, he remains a free agent, but contending teams like the Lakers and Knicks will be looking for a backup big man like him as the year goes on.
