As well as Anthony Davis played this season (when healthy), the Los Angeles Lakers needed an effective backup for him. Thomas Bryant did very well during the first half of the season, but he wasn’t the defender or rim protector they needed.
Needing that defensive presence when Davis wasn’t on the court, the Lakers traded for Mo Bamba, a 7-footer from the Orlando Magic who can block shots and also stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. It looked like a shrewd move, as he’s a young player with room for improvement, not to mention a ridiculous 7-foot-10 wingspan.
Unfortunately, injuries have shortchanged Bamba’s time so far with the Lakers.
Bamba's regular season stats with the Lakers
3.7 points
4.6 rebounds
0.6 blocked shots
40.7% field-goal shooting
31.3% 3-point shooting
54.5% free-throw shooting
Takeaways
Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, Bamba quickly entered head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation and, at times, showed what he could do. In his second game with the team, he scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while going 2-of-4 from downtown in just 22 minutes.
Alas, he sprained his ankle in early March and didn’t return until the penultimate contest of the regular season. From that point, he barely played, mostly only during garbage time.
Early in the second round of the playoffs versus the Golden State Warriors, Bamba went back on the injured list with an ankle ailment, and that was it as far as him actually playing.
The big question is why Ham didn’t go to Bamba once the center returned from his first injury. Was it because Bamba had been out for a while and was rusty or out of shape? Was it a lack of effort during practice? Was it possibly an attitude issue?
If Bamba’s effort and attitude aren’t an issue, it would seem prudent for the Lakers to keep him next season. He’s under contract for next season, but that season of his contract is not guaranteed until June 29. They could waive him beforehand and either sign him to a lesser contract to save money, or they could include him in a trade if they feel he isn’t what they need.
But if Bamba is what L.A. needs, the team should seriously consider starting him at the 5 next season while moving Davis back to the 4, at least for half of his time on the court. If Bamba stays, there is also the possibility the Lakers find a better starting center and bring Bamba off the bench.
Final grade: Incomplete
