Lakers Lose Former First-Round Big Man To Eastern Conference Rival

The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have big man Mo Bamba on the roster in the 2023-24 NBA season. They waived the veteran before the first day of free agency and the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t waste any time. Yes, the Lakers wanted to bring Bamba back, but he is taking his talents to Philadelphia.

The Lakers got Bamba in the Patrick Beverley trade. However, his time with the Lakers wasn’t really productive. Beverley saw action in nine games with the team but suffered an ankle injury. He joined the team in the postseason, but didn’t contribute at all.

Lakers could get another big man

Bamba is out of the equation and the Lakers have to find another player. They have been linked to several players and Tristan Thompson may be next on their list. He may not be in his prime, but Tristan can really elevate the game in LA.

“L.A. is targeting another big man with its 14th roster spot,” Buha reported. “They are likely to carry 14 guaranteed contracts into the season, leaving one roster spot open. Mo Bamba, whom the Lakers waived on Thursday, and Tristan Thompson, who joined the team right before their playoff run, remain options to fill that 14th spot, according to league sources. The big man market has been dry so far during this free-agency period, so the Lakers could also wait to see if better options present themselves.”

Rob Pelinka signed a few players early in the offseason

The Lakers made some moves this offseason, signing Vincent Gabe and a few other players. They also got Jaxson Hayes. During his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game. Hayes adds a nice depth to the roster and the Lakers view him “as physical center like they had in Dwight Howard in 2020.” Howard had great performance with the Lakers and the team could use another player like him. Let’s see if Hayes is a good fit for the current roster.

Sources confirm the Lakers and center Jaxson Hayes have agreed to 2 year deal. Lakers view Hayes as physical center like they had in Dwight Howard in 2020.

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 1, 2023