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6 Lakers who definitely won’t be back next season

By Jason Reed

Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) pumps up the crowd after a 3-point basket in the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) pumps up the crowd after a 3-point basket in the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mo Bamba Lakers
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) – Mo Bamba /

4. Mo Bamba

Mo Bamba is another trade acquisition from the 2023 deadline that did not quite work out for the Lakers. This one is painful as well as Mamba really looked like he could be a discount version of Myles Turner for the Lakers.

On paper, Bamba’s ability to provide rim protection while also being able to space the floor on offense would play perfectly next to Anthony Davis. Bamba would allow Davis to free roam more on defense while also playing the five on offense.

It was a fit that we never got to see. Ham never really gave this Bamba-Davis lineup a try and then Bamba sprained his ankle and missed a chunk of time at the end of the regular season. Without having a chance to experiment with lineups, Bamba was unable to earn a spot in the rotation.

Like Beasley, Mo Bamba is too expensive for the Lakers

Bamba is set to make $10.3 million next season on a non-guaranteed contract. Los Angeles has the ability to get out of the deal with no money owed and that seems like the mots likely outcome at this point in time.

There is a very slim chance the Lakers could try and sign Bamba to a two-year deal that pays him far less but that will depend on his market. At the end of the day, LA doesn’t need to pay Bamba $10.3 million when there are so many depth centers that can be had at the league minimum.

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