On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played their fourth preseason game of the 2022-23 campaign, and for the first time in two years, they actually won a preseason contest.
They did so by outlasting the Golden State Warriors, 124-121, even though LeBron James and Russell Westbrook sat out to get some rest.
A few themes are emerging as the regular season inches closer for Los Angeles. Kendrick Nunn looks healthy and like his old self. Austin Reaves looks more comfortable and poised, especially as a secondary facilitator. And Anthony Davis seems motivated.
But something that may have gone relatively unnoticed is the fine play of center Thomas Bryant.
The Lakers signed him to a veteran’s minimum contract in July, and many shrugged it off as a signing that would have minimal impact. Such naysayers cited the fact Bryant had suffered an ACL injury in January 2021 and has struggled to regain his form ever since.
But Bryant is looking good, and barring something unexpected in the team’s final two exhibition contests, he deserves to start at the 5 this season.