The Los Angeles Lakers have been very busy remodeling their roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline, and just minutes before 3 PM ET, the team swung another move for an impact player for the stretch run of the season.
Since the summer, it appeared as if the Los Angeles Lakers were hampered in the flexibility they had to make meaningful trades to improve the team. They were saddled with expensive contracts other organizations did not want and a dearth of future first-round picks. However, over the last couple of weeks, the team has turned into one of the most active franchises before the NBA trade deadline.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers pull off blockbuster D’Angelo Russell, Russell Westbrook trade
First, the team swung a deal for Washington Wizards prospect Rui Hachimura. On Wednesday, they were part of a blockbuster three-team deal that landed them talented scorer D’Angelo Russell from the Timberwolves, and bench upgrades in Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley.
On Thursday, they further strengthened their bench and front court in a swap of defenses aces when ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Los Angeles Lakers traded Patrick Beverley to the Orlando Magic for potential-rich big man Mo Bamba.
Los Angeles Lakers acquire 2018 NBA Draft first-round pick Mo Bamba
Mo Bamba’s stats from his first five seasons in the league definitely don’t jump off the page, however, this season the 24-year-old has received a lot of praise for his growth as a player and evolution into a reliable center in the league.
For the Magic in 2022-2023, the Texas University standout has only averaged 17 minutes, but if given more time and surrounded by stars like Lebron James and Russell, Bamba can develop even further and be a consistent double-double player for the Lakers off the bench every night.
However, beyond offensive development, Bamba is a good three-and-D talent for his size and gives the Lakers a solid option at the five-spot in the event Davis goes down with an injury again this season.
- Mo Bamba stats (2022-2023): 7.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 BPG, 40% 3PT
Following a trade of Thomas Bryant earlier in the day, Mo Bamba is the Los Angeles Lakers’ unquestioned No. 2 center for the stretch run and hopefully well into the playoffs. He has a non-guaranteed contract for just over $10 million next season.