The Los Angeles Lakers added more experience to their roster as they are preparing to embark on what they hope will be a deep playoff run. The team confirmed over the weekend that they have signed veteran center Tristan Thompson to a deal.
In Los Angeles, Thompson will reunite with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James. The duo won an NBA title with the Cavs in 2016.
In order to add Thompson to their roster, the Lakers decided to waive guard Davon Reed. The Miami Hurricanes product played 27 minutes and scored eight points in total across eight games since joining the Lakers in February.
Tristan Thompson joins the Lakers after sitting out the entire 2022-23 regular season. Thompson suited up with three teams – Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls – in 2021-22 and averaged 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in a backup role.
It is highly unlikely that the Lakers are counting on Thompson to play a notable role in the playoffs. However, the 32-year-old is a good safety net in case of an unexpected injury and could bring some occasional energy off the bench.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season as the seventh seed in the West with a 43-39 record. They are facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first game of the Play-In tournament.
