Lakers: Everything You Need to Know About Mo Bamba From an Orlando Magic Expert
The Los Angeles Lakers swung a deal for former lottery pick Mo Bamba right before the NBA's trade deadline. The Lakers sent Patrick Beverley and second-round picks to the Orlando Magic for the 24-year-old 7-footer, in a move that had Laker fans very excited.
The Lakers have been linked to Bamba for a while now, but were never able to consummate a deal. But finally, they were able to make it work with Orlando, and just had to give up some second-rounders.
In order to give you all the best information on the newest Laker, we caught up with Jeremy Brener of FanNation's The Magic Insider. So, thanks to Brener, here's everything you need to know about Mo Bamba, and how he'll fit in with LA.
1. How will Mo Bamba fit with the Lakers as a backup big man?
Bamba is a floor spacer and has one of the longest wing spans in the NBA, making it difficult for shooters to close out on him. The Lakers look a lot different than they did a few days ago, so I'd imagine there's a chance he could possibly start. But chances are that Jarred Vanderbilt will start next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt while Bamba backs him up.
He can play 15-20 minutes per game and be incredibly effective too. He's only 24 years old and the Lakers could decide to keep him for next year by guaranteeing his $10.3 million contract if Los Angeles feels he's worth that amount.
2. He’s shooting nearly 40 percent from deep this season. Is he really that good of a three-point shooter?
He can get really hot at times. Bamba is usually hitting these shots open and he's very selective about the shots he takes. I'd be curious to see if the change of scenery affects him, but playing next to guys like LeBron James and Anthony Davis should only make his job easier.
3. Mo Bamba is in the middle of a four-game suspension for throwing punches. Is there any concern about him potentially continuing that erratic behavior in LA?
No. He's a big "for the team" guy, which is why he was brought back to Orlando in the offseason. To me, those punches he threw at Austin Rivers were more to protect his team than anything else. Was it erratic? Yes, but he doesn't have a history of that before last week's events.
4. Mo Bamba seems like a massive defensive upgrade over Thomas Bryant, Anthony Davis' most recent backup. What is his ceiling as a player?
Bamba can be a 10/5 guy who shoots 40 percent from the three-point line. That's his absolute ceiling if everything goes right for him.
5. Grade the trade for both sides.
I like the Lakers side of this deal more, getting a player who will have an impact as opposed to someone who could be bought out.
I think the Magic could have tried to pry another pick off the Lakers, but the deal doesn't move the needle or change their current landscape.
Lakers - B, Magic - C
