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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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Reasons against the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Mo Bamba

1. Any trade would almost have to include Talen Horton-Tucker

This is where reality kicks in. Bamba is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers on paper. He is someone who can come to LA, work on his game, provide what the team needs now and be an option for the future as well.

The biggest hang-up on a potential trade is that Bamba has value because of that. While he is not playing great basketball, he is still very young and the Magic are not going to trade one young asset without getting another young asset in return.

That means trading Talen Horton-Tucker.

That is the only way this gets done, in my opinion. The Magic are in no position to contend so it makes no sense to get established talent and the Lakers do not have draft picks to trade. The package would likely have to be THT, Alfonzo McKinnie and Devontae Cacok for Bamba.

2. The Los Angeles Lakers could get depth elsewhere

Mo Bamba is not the only option for the Los Angeles Lakers. While it has not completely taken form yet, there will be a buyout market that probably includes some veteran big men as well as a trade market for centers with small, expiring contracts.

The Lakers would not be getting the same youth as they would be with Bamba but they would at least be getting depth for this season. Someone such as Robin Lopez would be a good fit in Los Angeles if he is bought out by the Washington Wizards.

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