Lake Show Life
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4 Lakers who are playing for their future in Los Angeles

By Jason Reed

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Mo Bamba Lakers
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) – Mo Bamba Lakers /

2. Mo Bamba

You will not find bigger fans of Mo Bamba than us here at Lake Show Life. When the Lakers traded for Mo Bamba we went as far as to say that the team got its discount version of Myles Turner. While he is not as good as Turner, he can do similar things.

The potential of Bamba being able to not only space the floor offensively but be able to provide rim protection on the defensive end was extremely exciting. That is the perfect kind of big to put next to Anthony Davis on paper as he allows AD to operate as a five on offense and a four on defense.

Bamba has not had a concrete role on this team, though. In some games Darvin Ham will give him over 20 minutes and he will play well. In other games he will give him no role in the rotation, not giving him a chance to succeed.

This is strange considering Bamba’s impact when he is actually given a chance. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he played 21 minutes and scored 12 points with seven rebounds. He shot three of four from three.

Davis and Bamba have actually never shared the court together, so the idea of him being perfect on paper does not seem to apply to Ham or the Lakers coaching staff. With that in mind, his future is not guaranteed.

Los Angeles does completely call the shots. Bamba has one more year under contract for over $10 million but it is non-guaranteed. The Lakers will have the choice to bring him back for that price or let him test free agency.

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