Lakers News: Why Columnist Believes Los Angeles Will Waive Mo Bamba

Should the Lakers keep their reserve center?

As free agency continues, the Los Angeles Lakers play the business game in the off-season, searching for offensive and defensive options to enhance their roster. In order for them to do so, some changes have to be made within the current roster. 

A man on the hot seat for a possible exit is Lakers center, Mo Bamba. 

Before being traded to the Lake Show, Bamba had signed two-year, $20.6 million contract with the Orlando Magic in the 2022 offseason, including $10.3 million guaranteed for 2022-23.

Mo Bamba was at the facility going through an individual workout led by Lakers assistant coach Schuyler Rimmer. LAL has until June 29 to request waivers on Bamba or his $10.3 million contract for next season becomes guaranteed pic.twitter.com/BfK3Uwisrl

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 13, 2023

The Lakers have to make a decision to either waive Bamba by June 29, or else his $10.3 million will be guaranteed for the 2023-24 season.

The Athletic's John Hollinger believes that the best case scenario for the Lakers' offseason is to waive Bamba, making his non-guaranteed deal something not worth stressing about. 

"[Bamba is] not worth that money for any team, but especially not one that already has Anthony Davis," Hollinger writes.

And as astonishing his 7 foot 10 inch wing-span is, his play has been borderline disappointing. 

Notable dates for Lakers off-season

6/22: NBA Draft (#17 & #47 picks)
6/29: Mo Bamba contract guarantee deadline (10.3M)
6/29: Malik Beasley team option deadline (16.5M)
6/30: Jarred Vanderbilt contract guarantee deadline (4.6M)
6/30: Qualifying offer deadline for Rui & Reaves

— Ralph Mason (@Ralph_MasonJr) June 16, 2023

As we reach closer to the waive deadline for the former Texas Longhorn, there are a few things the Lakers could play around with. If they decide to keep him and trigger the $10.3 million in guaranteed money, they could look at Bamba as having some sort of trade value, possibly getting the Lakers a "bargain" pickup in other positions that are needed. 

For me, it seems like a simple solution for the Lakers. Given that he averaged only 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds this past season when he did play (with that wingspan!), and lost his backup center role to Wenyen Gabriel, it's probably best to save some money and move on from Mo Bamba.

Needless to say, lots to do this off-season. Let's see what the Lakers do next. 

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