The Los Angeles Lakers have traded center Thomas Bryant to the Denver Nuggets for guard Davon Reed and three second-round picks. With the Lakers acquiring Jarred Vanderbilt they needed to free up minutes at the big man position and accomplish this with the trade. They also get back some of the draft capital they lost with their recent trades. Denver adds a backup center that can play with or behind star center and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Both teams make the move in order to better their position in the Western Conference Playoff Race.
The Lakers are trading Thomas Bryant to the Nuggets for Davon Reed and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
This season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Thomas Bryant averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 65.4 percent and a three-point percentage of 44 percent. This season with the Denver Nuggets, Davon Reed averaged 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 31.3 percent and a three-point percentage of 36.4 percent. It is possible that the Lakers will waive Reed in order to free up a roster spot for either another trade or the buyout market after the 2022-23 NBA Trade Deadline. Competing for another Championship with Lebron James is the top goal for the team right now.
