Los Angeles Lakers are doing pretty well in the free agency this offseason. Many experts believe that they are currently the best team in terms of the offseason performance this year. The LA side had a lot to work on as they wanted to keep the core together. Vividly, Rob Pelinka, the GM of the 17-time champions, has been spectacular this year, especially with trades. He even mentioned that they plan to push for another championship next season, depending on the same core.
That is why, Pelinka ensured not to lose the most valuable player on the bench, Rui Hachimura, on Day 1 of the free agency. The front office extended his contract to a three-year deal worth $51 million. The team also re-signed Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell and acquired players like Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, and so on. However, there is a new question floating around regarding re-signing of recently waivered player Mo Bamba.
Will The LA Side Re-Sign Mo Bamba?
Initially, the Lakers planned to trade Bamba in a package deal along with Malik Beasley and some future second-round picks. But is there a chance that the Lakers might re-sign Bamba? Before acquiring more players, they would like to finish the free agency process with a bang. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers still have a place for the 14th spot to fill, and the front office is looking for a big man for that spot. Looking at the requirement, the viable options are Tristan Thomson and Mo Bamba. However, if a better option comes along, then they won’t bother with Thomson or Bamba.
But the Lakers waived Mo Bamba on Thursday. Moreover, he could not play many games for the Lakers since he joined in February due to an injury. He sat out most of the season. However, Bamba can be well fit alongside Anthony Davis. He is a pretty good shooter. Moreover, the Lakers can take the help of his three-pointer shooting skills to good use. Bamba is also younger than Thomson and can open the floor for the offense. He can be the big man that the Lakers were looking for. Anyhow, the LA side has got a solid roster already, and it should be enough to help them fight for the 18th title.
Lakers Believe In The Core That Formed In February
Clearly, it was due to the superb trading back in February that helped the Lakers gain balance and start looking like a championship-winning team. However, there were still doubts in people’s minds regarding the team able to make the postseason. Albeit, the LA side could not finish in the top six for direct qualification to the playoffs and finished as the seventh seed. But the power of the balance and a new culture in the roster helped the purple and gold army to reach the Western Conference Finals from the play-in game. Even though the season did not end on a happy note for the Lakers, it is way more than what the fans expected them to do in February. Hence, it is essential for the Front Office to keep the core intact.
