The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for the 2023 NBA free agency, and they want to be in the best position to make big moves and pursue the players that can take them to the next level next season.
When he first arrived on the team, Mo Bamba carried good expectations, but the Lakers didn’t offer him a lot of playing time, ultimately relegating them to the bench while other big men took the court. The short-lived partnership between the Lakers and Bamba has ended today since the team is reportedly waiving the player.
“The Lakers are waiving Mo Bamba, according to a league source,” Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports.
The Lakers are waiving Mo Bamba, according to a league source.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2023
Bamba was one of the players with guarantee deadlines today and would have gotten $10.3 million if the Lakers decided to keep him on the roster.
NBA contracts with guarantee deadlines today (all become fully guaranteed at the salary listed):
-Mo Bamba – LAL – $10.3M
-Bruno Fernando – ATL – $2.6M
-Garrison Mathews – ATL – $2.0M
-Daishen Nix – HOU – $1.8M
-Cedi Osman – CLE – $6.7M
-Cameron Payne – PHX – $6.5M
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2023
It’s unclear which teams will show interest in Bamba, but he’s a free agent right ahead of the free market opening this Friday, and more than one squad should be interested in acquiring his services. In only nine games played for the Lakers, Bamba averaged 3.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists.
Lakers Will Also Decline Malik Beasley’s Team Option
Fischer adds that the Lakers will have to find a trade partner quickly, or they’ll also be forced to decline Malik Beasley’s team option, which is worth $16.5 million for the 2023-24 NBA season.
And unless they can find a trade here in the final hours, Los Angeles is expected to decline Malik Beasley's $16.5 million team option for the 2023-24 season. https://t.co/mDnYRudH9p
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2023
The Lakers had some decisions to make entering the offseason, and they’re acting on it. They have been linked with a series of players in recent days, including Fred VanVleet, who is reportedly looking for a $30 million per year deal.
A more realistic option is Bruce Brown, but the Denver Nuggets guard is been followed by other teams around the association.
This is an interesting situation for the Lakers, who can make some smart moves this summer and create a solid team. Time will tell how this situation unfolds and what kind of team they will present next season.
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