On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers ended their five-game losing streak by getting a 116-103 win over the surging Brooklyn Nets.
With four full days off before taking on the Detroit Pistons on Friday, the short-term future could be looking up for the Purple and Gold.
The team has a relatively manageable schedule for the rest of November, and it may be about to get two important reinforcements back.
Guard Dennis Schroder returned to the Lakers by signing a one-year contract late in the summer. He played for them during the 2020-21 campaign. As a facilitating guard who can also play defense, he’s expected to help them with scoring and a ball-handling.
Center Thomas Bryant, also a former Laker, can provide rebounding, shot-blocking, easy baskets and energy.
Neither has played in the regular season yet due to thumb injuries, but it looks like both are about to make their debut.
Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant are expected to play on Friday, per @ShamsCharania
(Via @FanDuelTV ) pic.twitter.com/IbwmW8CO82
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 14, 2022
Schroder could give L.A. an alternative to Westbrook when he isn’t playing well. Bryant should make the frontline look a lot bigger and perhaps allow Anthony Davis to play at the 4 more often.