Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal 

As currently constructed, this Magic roster is interesting. There’s plenty of talent here, but whether it’s well assembled is a matter of debate. 

Realistically, the Magic have two logjams. Between Bamba, Wendall Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Wagner, they have a glut of young big men. All of those players either play the 5, or ought to see some time in the rotation at the position. 

Furthermore, Orlando also has a surplus of young on-ball guards. Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and Jalen Suggs have all flashed potential, but none of them are strong off-ball weapons. By contrast, the 23-year-old Walker IV thrives without the rock. 

He’s also a gifted athlete who ought to improve their transition attack. For both reasons, he’s a suitable player to pair with recent number one pick Paolo Banchero. Granted, so is Bamba, but with the organization’s commitment to Carter Jr., he may not be a fixture in their rotation anyway. 

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Flipping Bamba for Walker IV makes enough sense on its own. When you include a protected first-round pick, it may be something the Lakers feel they’ve got to do.