Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Lonnie Walker IV, C Damian Jones, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Mo Bamba 

The Lakers may have plenty of problems. The irony is that plenty of young NBA teams would be happy to be in their exact position. 

After all, this team rosters a player that some consider to be the best to ever play the game. Typically, that would put them in a position to win an NBA title. Unfortunately, James’ fit with Russell Westbrook proved too problematic to even push for the play-in. 

Still, in ten years, the Orlando Magic would love to be in a position where they’re rostering two former MVPs (and an Anthony Davis to boot). If the outcome is as disastrous as the Lakers’ was in 2021-22, they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it. First, they need to reach the bridge. 

On the other hand, the future is bright for this team. They just selected the first overall pick in the 2022 draft in Paolo Banchero. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner surpassed expectations as a rookie.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

There is plenty of young talent on this team, but whether it all fits together is a different question. 

As constructed, the Magic have potential logjams in terms of guards and big men. Does this deal alleviate both?