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Los Angeles Lakers: Reasons for and against trading for Mo Bamba

By Jason Reed

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 26: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the LA Clippers during the second half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 26: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the LA Clippers during the second half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Reasons for the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Mo Bamba:

1. Mo Bamba provides exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers need in a second center

The Los Angeles Lakers should look for the same dynamic that they got from Dwight Howard off the bench last season. They simply need two things: rebounding and shot-blocking. They do not need someone who is the most gifted in the post or is a huge offensive threat.

They need someone who can protect the glass and clean it up. Bamba can do both of those things, averaging 3.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in his limited playing time. For his career, he averages 14.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per 36 minutes. Howard averaged 14.2 points, 14 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per 36 minutes last season.

2. His youth

The Los Angeles Lakers are really good at not just finding late-round talent in the draft that other teams missed out on, but they are really good at developing talent as well. Just look at the current roster. Alex Caruso, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kyle Kuzma are all great examples.

If there is any team that can get the most out of Bamba it is the Lakers. He can continue having a smaller role in the rotation, as that is all the Lakers need while working on his game with the Lakers and two of the best bigs in the game in Marc Gasol and Anthony Davis.

Then, if all goes as planned, Bamba could have an even bigger role next season, re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers and be the team’s starting center post-Marc Gasol. Bamba barely turns 23 this May. He has plenty of time.

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