The Los Angeles Lakers have got a lot to deal with this offseason. Initially, they had an extremely poor start to their season with Russell Westbrook coming off the bench. Westbrook was great statistically but of no use to the team. Darvin Ham had an incredibly tough first year with the Lakers trying to figure out working systems. LA had to let go of Westbrook for rotational players such as D’Angelo Russell, Thomas Bryant, and Rui Hachimura.
After these acquisitions, LA was on a steady path to success as well. Anthony Davis came back from dealing with multiple injuries and LeBron James was his usual self. Somehow, they managed to make it through the play-in tournament and snag a playoff berth. During the playoffs, things seemed very promising until they reached the Western Conference Finals.
After getting swept by the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers were slammed with their biggest nightmare. LeBron James cryptically revealed that he may retire, either this year or before the 2024 Paris Olympics. James has not officially revealed his decision but sources claim that he will most likely return next season. But LA has a few other issues to take care of other than James.
The Lakers’ Mo Bamba could be a potential replacement for the Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic
Mo Bamba was acquired via a four-team trade involving the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a $20.6 million two-year deal with the Magic that was exercised during the 2022-23 season. Bamba is currently under a non-guaranteed contract with the Lakers that will become fully guaranteed by June 29, 2023.
There have been a few trade rumors being circulated involving the center but according to sources, the Los Angeles Lakers are most likely retaining him. However, NBA reporter Joe Cowley claimed that Bamba is keen on joining the Chicago Bulls to play alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Bamba has been dealing with injuries quite often but regardless, he best performs when in a higher role.
Mo Bamba reportedly wants to play for the Bulls, per @JCowleyHoops 👀 pic.twitter.com/1PBmfLOyqb
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 25, 2023
If he does sign with the Bulls, Mo Bamba could be given a higher role. He averaged 10.6 points and 8.1 rebounds during his peak year when he appeared for 71 games in the 2021-22 season. If he remains healthy, he could be a great backup center for Anthony Davis. He could be given the starting position if Nikola Vucevic does not get retained by the Bulls.