Which team is Thomas Bryant traded to from LA Lakers as NBA Trade Deadline nears?

The LA Lakers have made another move as we come closer to the NBA trade deadline by trading Thomas Bryant to the Denver Nuggets. The move has not been well received by Lakers fans as Bryant was providing decent production. He made a game-winning dunk against the Wizards in December and put up 31 points and 14 rebounds in a win against the Blazers in January. He turned into a fan-favorite as the season progressed and so his sudden trade was a shocker for Lakers Nation.

Moreover, Bryant was traded to the Denver Nuggets, a title-contending rival who is atop the Western Conference standings. Hence, this move makes the juggernaut even better.

Why did the LA Lakers trade Thomas Bryant?

Thomas Bryant of the LA Lakers

The Lakers got Davon Reed and three second-round picks (2025, 2026, 2029) in return. Reed is nowhere close to the player Bryant is. He comes off the bench and puts up fairly poor numbers, while often collecting DNPs. Hence, this trade wasn't about acquiring Reed or three second-rounders, but getting rid of Bryant.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, Bryant was unhappy with his situation in LA and wanted a bigger role. Shelburne reported:

"Bryant had grown unhappy with his diminished PT since AD returned and asked LAL to look for a better situation. He’d also outplayed his contract & LA only has mid-level to re-sign him— so they opted to give his minutes to Wenyen Gabriel & replenish the picks they gave up for Rui."