The Los Angeles Lakers just saw one of the premier backup center options go off the market, as Naz Reid re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves despite a lot of interest around the league.
The Lakers’ current backup big man is Mo Bamba, who could be a free agent this summer if the Lakers decline the team option on his contract. It seems Bamba may have some value around the NBA, with NBA insider Joe Cowley reporting that the center wants to join the Chicago Bulls.
“Keep an eye on Mo Bamba. Thatis is a guy that has wanted to come to the Bulls for the last couple of years… This is a guy that wants to be a Bull, so keep an eye on him.”
The Lakers have often been linked to trades with the Bulls for their stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Maybe if there’s interest in Bamba, the Lakers could try and make a move that lands them Alex Caruso to fill out their guard rotation alongside 2023 draftee Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Bamba played just 9 games after being traded to the Lakers in February. He struggled with injuries and getting play time from Darvin Ham down the stretch of the playoffs. He averaged 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds with the Lakers.
Lakers Making Moves?
What the Lakers are thinking in terms of making additions to their roster hasn’t been very clear. There have been multiple reports about targeting high-value stars around the NBA like Kyrie Irving, but it doesn’t look like the team will prioritize top-end talent once again. They found success after adding depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so they need to stay on that path to compete next season.
Bamba may have value to teams like the Bulls, so even if Caruso may be a high-ask, the team could try and replenish their roster depth by taking a versatile wing defender like Derrick Jones Jr. There are plenty of ways to get Bamba to end up in Chicago and likely be the back-up for Nikola Vucevic, a role he also performed as a rookie on the Orlando Magic from 2018 to 2021.
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