When Anthony Davis was ruled out indefinitely due to his foot injury, many expected the Los Angeles Lakers to suffer being shorthanded. In a trajectory that could’ve only gotten worse, Thomas Bryant has emerged as a hero for Darvin Ham and the Purple and Gold franchise as they registered their first-ever 5-game winning streak of the 2022-23 season.

Given that there is no Davis, Thomas Bryant has simply not made the Lakers miss their 8-time All-Star as the young stud has impressed game after game. Not only has Thomas scored substantially well, but he has also extended the required supporting hand to LeBron James in the paint, and his exceptional rebounding skills were key in the Lakers’ latest win against the Kings on the road.

EXTEND THOMAS BRYANT @LAKERS pic.twitter.com/0QCTU8URoo

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 8, 2023

This is just why the 38-year-old veteran was quick to hand Thomas Bryant with the flowers he truly deserves in all right.

Lakers put up NUMBERS in clutch W vs Kings 💪

LeBron: 37 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST

Schroder: 27 PTS, 8-11 FG, 4-5 3PT

Thomas Bryant: 29 PTS, 14 REB, 12-14 FG

Russ: 23 PTS, 5 REB, 15 AST pic.twitter.com/2sbwGwkrhW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2023

LeBron James applauds Thomas Bryant

LeBron said, “He’s taking full advantage of his opportunity. He’s a guy that plays really hard, knows how to play, and is probably one of the most skilled big men in the game.”

LeBron on Thomas Bryant: "One of the most skilled bigs in this game. He catches everything. He finishes everything around the rim, but he also has a soft touch from the midrange and the 3-point line. And he just has a huge motor that's always going on both sides of the floor."

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 8, 2023

Now let us talk about the individual brilliance of Thomas Bryant and know just how he has helped the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old center has averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, shooting 68.1% from the field, including 55.0% from 3-point range in Anthony Davis’ absence over the last 13 games.

Moreover, he has provided the required support on rebounding, enabling Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook to shoot more often against a tight defense.

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