LOS ANGELES — The Lakers are sending center Thomas Bryant to the Denver Nuggets for reserve guard Davon Reed and three future second-round picks, people with knowledge of the deal not authorized to speak publicly told The Los Angeles Times.
Bryant starred as a fill-in for Anthony Davis while the All-Star forward was recovering from foot injuries. Bryant is averaging 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, far outplaying the one-year minimum deal he signed this offseason. It's why, sources said, the Lakers began to find Bryant a new home while getting needed draft picks in return.
The team was also looking to find more minutes for Wenyen Gabriel as a backup center in smaller lineups. LeBron James and newly acquired Jarred Vanderbilt also give them small-ball center options.
