The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2023-24 season is mostly set, especially after their signing of skilled big man Christian Wood last week.
They have 14 regular roster spots filled, which leaves one open. Some have wondered whether they would fill that spot with another big man who is defensive-minded, or if they would leave it open to give them some flexibility for a potential trade or buyout market signing months from now.
One potential candidate for that last roster spot seemed to be veteran big man Tristan Thompson, whom the Lakers signed near the end of the 2022-23 regular season. He received only spot duty during the playoffs, but in L.A.’s final game, he played some effective defense on eventual NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic.
On Monday, Thompson agreed to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he has spent most of his career with.
C/F Tristan Thompson is finalizing a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thompson is set to return to Cleveland where he was part of 2016 NBA title, four Finals runs, now gives Cavs leadership and some frontcourt depth. pic.twitter.com/ayKEu3JOj1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 11, 2023
Thompson played his first nine seasons with the Cavs, and he will join a young and very promising squad in Cleveland that finished fourth in the Eastern Conference last season. He will give them some much-needed beef and veteran experience up front.