Lakers News: LA Waives Former Lottery Pick Mo Bamba
The Los Angeles Lakers have made their decision on the future of Mo Bamba ladies and gentleman and he will no longer be a member of their franchise. Bamba only got to appear in nine games with the purple and gold and averaged just four points and three rebounds after getting traded there midseason.
Many fans were wondering why he was not activated down the line in the playoffs when LA faced off against the Denver Nuggets and clearly needed another body to throw at the superstar Nikola Jokic but head coach Darvin Ham instead opted to keep the former lottery pick out of the rotation.
But now Bamba will be in search of a new home... Jake Fischer was the first to report the news.
"The Lakers are waiving Mo Bamba, according to a league source."
Bamba was set to make about $10.3 million in the 2023-2024 season had the team accepted his option but they clearly did not view him as a serious part of their future. Seeing that LA is reportedly set to waive Malik Beasley as well, they are likely preparing to receive and offer the full MLE to a different option that will help them go on yet another playoff run.
He was originally acquired by the Lakers in a big trade with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets where GM Rob Pelinka sent Patrick Beverley to the Magic along with some second-round picks and received the former Texas center in return.
Bamba's most productive season came in 2021 with the Magic where he was able to average 10 points and eight rebounds over the span of 71 games. This was his most healthy season as well as the Lakers learned with his recent foot injury that he is usually prone to lower-body issues.
We wish Bamba the best of luck moving forward even though he never really got to showcase his talent in front of Lakers fans! He is still just 25-years-old and will likely have a number of suitors when he becomes available.
