The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot to figure out before the season starts in October.
Obviously, a massive amount of changes, tweaks, and hand-wringing still needs to be completed before tip-off in order to change the franchise’s fate and avoid a repeat of last year.
They need a team that is motivated and ready to play harder than ever before.
According to @jovanbuha, SG Austin Reaves and C Thomas Bryant have been two of the standout players in #Lakers player workouts.
— Kyle Cohen (@kylecohenNBA) September 8, 2022
Based on inside reporting, they are definitely seeing some motivated performers.
Both Austin Reaves and Thomas Bryant “have been two of the standout players in the Lakers player workouts,” according to insider Jovan Buha.
It is not surprising to see these two particular players stepping up.
Alongside Westbrook
The reporting notes that if Russell Westbrook stays with the team, there will be competition for the starting spot in the backcourt next to him.
Either Reaves or newcomer Patrick Beverley will get the converted position in the rotation.
Watching Reaves last season, you could see he wanted to do more for his team and be a bigger part of it.
He had some stunning standout moments (remember when he sank that buzzer-beater against the Mavericks) and he is ready to step up more.
As for Bryant, he also wants to become crucial for the Lakers.
He has spent the last four seasons playing for the Washington Wizards but he actually got his start with the Lakers back in 2017.
Bryant is seen as a possible backup center for the team but if he plays his cards right and continues to impress, he could start quite a few games too.
Both Reaves and Bryant are aiming to become reliable, productive members of this LA squad.
