NBA Hoops

Thomas Bryant is proving why he should start at center

Thomas Bryant is proving why he should start at center

The 6-foot-10 man won’t impress anyone with his statistical production, but he will put up solid numbers in certain statistical categories the old-fashioned way: not with talent or outstanding skill, but by working hard.

He runs the floor, he can box out, he’s a good finisher underneath and he can help protect the rim.

Bryant was quiet in the Lakers’ first two preseason games, but he busted out on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 8-of-10 from the free throw line plus seven rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in 26 minutes.

On Sunday, he put up six points and five rebounds despite playing just 12 minutes versus Golden State.

Head coach Darvin Ham wants the Lakers to play aggressive pressure defense, as well as employ a fast-breaking style on offense, and Bryant is best suited to do both.

In addition, he has the ability to be a lob threat and provide the type of “vertical spacing” JaVale McGee did a couple of years ago when they won the NBA championship.

The one thing Bryant hasn’t shown yet is the ability to consistently hit 3-pointers, but it’s something he did in the past when he shot over 40 percent in back-to-back seasons with the Washington Wizards.

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