Lakers center Thomas Bryant underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament on his left thumb, according to the team’s PR department. He will be reevaluated by team doctors in approximately three weeks, the Lakers added.
Los Angeles signed Bryant early in free agency to a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract.
The Lakers are off to a bad start in terms of injuries. Another free-agent acquisition, guard Dennis Schroder, underwent surgery on his right thumb this week and is expected to miss three to four weeks.
With Bryant out, Anthony Davis is expected to play the bulk of the minutes at center with Damian Jones in reserve.
Bryant’s career has been sidetracked by injuries. The former Wizards big man suffered an ACL tear two seasons ago and has only appeared in 37 games since, including 27 last season.
Bryant, who will turn 25 later this month, began his NBA career with the Lakers, having been acquired from Utah in a draft-night deal in 2017. The 42nd overall pick appeared in just 15 games as a rookie with L.A. and was waived in the summer of 2018.
The Wizards claimed Bryant off waivers and the big man spent the next four seasons in D.C.
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