NBA center Tristan Thompson has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as well as guard Shaquille Harrison.
According to NBA, the Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka made the announcement on April 9.
OFFICIAL: Tristan Thompson is a Los Angeles Laker. pic.twitter.com/OmBe6LX6dT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 9, 2023
A video surfaced showing Thompson throwing free throws, gearing up for the team’s upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at 10 p.m.
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The Lakers brought Thompson to complete their playoff roster. The 32-year-old will be a fill-in in case other players, like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, get injured, which the team has dealt with this season.
Initially, there were talks about Thompson joining the Lakers, but they were just rumors, which Shams Charania tweeted about last month.
The Los Angeles Lakers are working out free agent centers Tristan Thompson and Tony Bradley this week, sources tell me and @jovanbuha. Thompson, an 11-year NBA veteran, was a key member of the 2016 championship Cavaliers team alongside LeBron James.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 20, 2023
Thompson has not played this season, which many Laker fans are worried about. However, Thompson played for the Cleveland Cavaliers for nine seasons and played with James, so there’s a possibility that something good could come from signing him to the team. Plus, he’s only playing as a shoo-in or understudy, giving the team a little-needed cushion.
During the last season, the newest Lakers member played for three different NBA teams, which some could find alarming.
Thompson has played in 730 career games, averaging nine points and 8.4 rebounds and one assist in a little over 26 minutes. He has played in 88 career playoff games during his time with the Celtics, Bulls and Cavaliers, gaining an average of 7.4 points and 8.2 rebounds.
