Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal 

One thing seems certain – Bamba doesn’t look like the player the Magic were hoping for when they drafted him. 

By now, he’s had enough time to show that potential if he had it. Even if that player exists in Bamba, he’s not likely to unearth him as a member of the Magic. 

After all, this team has Wendell Carter Jr. ahead of him in the pecking order. Even Bol Bol has appeared to be an equally large priority for them. There may not be room for Bamba on this team as it stands. 

With that in mind, flipping him for an expiring contract and a lottery-protected first makes sense.

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

Given his performance throughout his career to date, that’s probably the most they can expect to receive for him. 

Should the Lakers even give up that much for him?