Thomas Bryant was a key pickup over the summer for the Lakers due to a versatile skillset at the 5 that fits well into today’s pace and space league. Unfortunately, his thumb injury during the preseason — an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of this thumb, the same injury and recovery as point guard Dennis Schroder — that required surgery set him back around roughly a month.
Considering Bryant only played in limited games last season due to an ACL surgery and recovery, and looked a bit rough around the edges physically at times during the preseason (a topic I made a video on at the time), it was natural to be weary of the type of shape, rhythm and confidence he might come back in after this layoff.