Lakers waive Bamba/Beasley; clear cap space ahead of free agency
The Lakers have waived Mo Bamba and declined Malik Beasley’s team option for next season. Bamba and Beasley were both acquired by LA at the trade deadline.
Bamba had a non-guaranteed $10.3 million, and Beasley had a $16.5 million team option. Declining these options allows them to use the full mid-level exception and target a very impactful role player like Bruce Brown. They can use this mid-level exception and have the versatility to re-sign Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell.
BREAKING: The Lakers have declined Malik Beasley’s 16.5M team option. pic.twitter.com/dd3spKgsfB
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 29, 2023
A return to the Lakers is not out of the question for Bamba and Beasley. Rob Pelinka can work on re-signing them to cheaper deals.
Beasley was inconsistent as a three-point shooter after being traded to LA. He averaged 11/3/1, shooting 35.3% from three in 26 games with the Lakers.
On a cheaper deal, it would be wise to re-sign Beasley as he is one of the best three-point shooters in the league, even though he was inconsistent after LA traded for him.
Bamba also did not have a huge impact after being traded to the Lakers at the deadline. He only appeared in nine games due to injury and Darvin Ham’s rotation. In those games, Bamba averaged 4/5/0, shooting 40.7% from the field and 31.3% from three.
Among the Lakers' offseason aims, league sources say, is re-signing Dennis Schröder after his strong contributions last season, gauging Eric Gordon's availability and also exploring pathways to possibly re-sign Malik Beasley and Bamba.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2023
More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq https://t.co/iLTwkMaG6Q
If they can re-sign him on a cheaper contract, Bamba could be a solid backup center for the Lakers.
The decision to waive Bamba and decline Beasley’s team option was a good move from the front office. They now have access to the full mid-level exception to add an impactful role player and retain their key free agents.
Don’t rule out a return for Bamba or Beasley, but Pelinka made this move to open up more versatility to upgrade the Lakers roster ahead of next season.