The Los Angeles Lakers have had a long list of players find new landing spots this offseason as the NBA shuffles its rosters. One odd man out in this conversation is former Laker center Mo Bamba.
The depth piece failed to earn a contributing bench role, leading to Los Angeles, and continued to struggle to establish what was once a promising NBA career. However, it seems that Bamba still has options with a recent report indicating the big man could continue his career in China.
It is a great offer and likely to be the best option if Bamba hopes to continue his career. Laker fans have no reason to consider a reunion, even as the franchise settles for Jaxson Hayes and less-than-ideal depth options. Bamba was a liability his first time around with the franchise, and there is no reason to believe that this would change.
Parting ways with the center remains the correct decision and is illustrated by Bamba's lack of NBA prospects. It seems that going to China and taking the $3 million is in the best interest of the struggling center. There are yet to be reports of Bamba having any other reliable options.
Former Lakers Center Likely Forced to Settle for Overseas Deal
For the Lakers, any hopes of improvement at center are resting on the new addition Deandre Ayton. All the needed talent is there; it is simply a question of whether or not the effort will be. With J.J. Redick and LeBron James leading the roster, it is difficult to believe anything less will be accepted. Ayton must understand that the Lakers are held to a higher standard, and those expectations now include the veteran.
Even if Ayton is the worst version of himself, it is a far better option than Bamba or any of the options the Lakers found around Anthony Davis or after trading the superstar to Dallas in the Luka blockbuster. Bamba was one of the team's attempts to find answers, and it failed in a predictable fashion. Now, the veteran needs to realize where his career is heading and accept the overseas opportunity.
Los Angeles must continue its search for the position, looking at possible trades or signing veteran Al Horford to bolster depth. While Bamba was never an option, it is another piece that is likely gone from free agency, continuing to add to the Lakers' urgency.