Former Los Angeles Lakers big man, Mo Bamba, recently shared insights into the team’s dramatic comeback last season after a number of significant trade deadline acquisitions. Bamba was Initially traded by the Orlando Magic to the Lakers, he provided a back view of the team’s emotions as they reached the Western Conference Finals.
“Absolutely”. Mo Bamba said while answering the question, does it excite you to enter a season with such high expectations like the Sixers have? “I got a small taste of winning in the playoffs was like in LA, but coming here and like having a training camp with it. When we were in LA, all we would talk about is ‘Yo, if we had a training camp together? This thing would have been awesome.”
Mo Bamba says Lakers players kept repeating same message last season after roster was shaken up at deadline: https://t.co/OL0MDBEvxl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 8, 2023
Last season in a massive three-team deal, the Lakers acquired several players, including D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt by trading star Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz. The Lakers also bolstered their lineup with forward Rui Hachimura in a significant exchange with the Washington Wizards.
Bamba, even though he had a limited role, appearing in just nine games and averaging 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds, felt these trades helped the team advance in playoffs. A once-struggling Los Angeles which was at 29-33 before March, had a remarkable turnaround, going 14-6 in the final 20 games and ending the regular season with a 43-39 record.
Mo Bamba’s new chapter with the 76ers and Lakers’ future prospects
After a short but impactful time with the Lakers, Bamba is about to start a new journey with the Philadelphia 76ers. Looking at his time with the Lakers, Bamba shared his excitement about joining a team like the 76ers that comes with its own high expectations. “But having a training camp with arguably a better team is exciting and fun to kind of indulge in.”
First look at Mo Bamba in a Sixers uniform. He was such an underrated pick up, due to him being a sniper from deep. Don’t forget, Joel Embiid recruited him to the team! pic.twitter.com/jXU2gbpwk2
— Aidan LaPorta (@aidanlaporta69) October 5, 2023
Following Bamba’s exit this offseason, the Lakers have further strengthened their roster, hinting at their goals for the 2023-24 season. The team has acquired a lot of talented players, including Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, and Christian Wood.
With these strategic additions combined with an already strong core, the Lakers have the potential to make another promising run in next year’s playoffs. Only time will tell if Bamba’s goals with the 76ers will be fulfilled or if the revamped Lakers will carry forward their momentum from last season. The NBA’s 2023-24 season promises to be an interesting one.