The Los Angeles Lakers made some crucial additions to the roster around the NBA trade deadline to bolster the team’s chances of advancing to the playoffs.
While the Lakers are indeed winning games more consistently since the NBA All-Star break, they now have another problem to deal with. It’s the constant injuries to their players. After LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba became the most recent victim of it.
According to Mike Trudell, Mo Bamba has suffered a high ankle sprain. The injury will keep him out for at least four weeks. With Bamba out of the lineup for at least four weeks, the Lakers are expected to search the unrestricted free-agent market to find a replacement for Bamba. But what are the Purple and Gold’s options?
Medical update from the team:
“Mo Bamba has been evaluated by Lakers team doctors and has been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain. He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 9, 2023
There are players like DeMarcus Cousins, Serge Ibaka, and Hassan Whiteside, waiting for getting a chance to be back on the roster of any NBA team ahead of the playoffs.
Which Free Agent Center Should The Los Angeles Lakers Sign?
The Lakers are finally the ninth seed in the Western Conference and look all set to clinch a spot in the NBA playoffs this season. However, they will not be able to do so without having a good center on the roster.
Although Bamba was coming off the bench for the Lakers, he made a quick impact for the Lakers. It honestly depends on the Lakers which player they need among Whiteside, Cousins, and Ibaka.
Whiteside is known for his presence in the paint and could be a defensive force for the Lakers. Last season, Whiteside averaged 8.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, and 1.6 BPG.
On the other hand, the Lakers can try to reunite DeMarcus Cousins with Anthony Davis. Cousins averaged 9.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.5 BPG when he last played in the league. In addition, Cousins has the ability to shoot from deep as well.
Lastly, the Lakers can also give Serge Ibaka a chance. Ibaka brings the ability to stretch the center position and create more space for the team around the basket. He averaged 6.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.2 SPG, and 0.6 BPG last season.
Considering Mo Bamba played the role of the stretch center for the Purple and Gold, getting Serge Ibaka makes the most sense for the team ahead of the NBA playoffs.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
