With the Orlando Magic landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, they will have a chance to add another young, impact player to their roster. Because that player is likely going to be a forward, it means their roster will undergo some changes.
The team has Wendell Carter Jr. already signed to an extension, but they could move on from Jonathan Isaac as a result as well. Isaac hasn’t played in two seasons as he recovers from a knee injury.
Another player that could be on the move as a result of landing the first pick is Mo Bamba. Bamba is entering restricted free agency this summer after the two sides were unable to agree to a rookie extension before the deadline.
It seems like a forgone conclusion that Bamba will be moving on this offseason. While Orlando has the right to match any offer sheet that he may sign as a restricted free agent, it is hard to imagine them committing more resources to the frontcourt.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Los Angeles Lakers Using Horton-Tucker, Nunn
As a result, teams should have a real chance at signing Bamba away from the Magic despite being a restricted free agent. One team that should be paying attention to the situation is the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bamba fits the mold of the kind of center that the Lakers need to be looking into. Given that their Big 3 all succeed when playing closer to the basket, landing a stretch-five would be ideal. Bamba is successfully transitioning into such, as he made 38.1 percent of his 3-pointers last season and 35.2 percent in his career.
In addition to the 3-point shooting on offense, Bamba isn’t a slouch defensively. He is a great rim protector, averaging 1.4 per game in his career despite playing only 18.6 minutes per game. His presence would allow the Lakers to continue playing Anthony Davis at power forward, which he prefers.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Los Angeles Lakers Using Horton-Tucker, Nunn
With limited spending power, the Lakers would have to get creative if they were to pursue Bamba. One way would be via sign-and-trade. Would Orlando have any interest in the package of Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn, depending on how much Bamba signs for?
Los Angeles needs to upgrade the frontcourt this offseason and Bamba is a sensible target. The Lakers would be smart to at least check in on the possibility of bringing him around as he has a perfect skill set to play off of the current Big 3 in Los Angeles.
