Lakers are letting go of Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley
Just one day before the official start of free agency across the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a decision on two players that could have significant salary cap implications for them.
In February, they acquired multiple players via trade that were slated to improve their roster. Two of them were center Mo Bamba and guard Malik Beasley, and in particular, both were expected to help the team with its 3-point shooting, which was arguably its biggest weakness.
However, Bamba barely played, while Beasley shot poorly and eventually lost his spot in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation during the playoffs.
The Lakers will be waiving Bamba while declining next season’s team option on Beasley’s contract. However, at least one of them could stay with the team on a different contract.
The Lakers will waive Mo Bamba and not pick up the team option on Malik Beasley today, sources told ESPN. LAL plans to stay in contact with both players’ representatives throughout free agency and could find different deal structures for Bamba and/or Beasley’s return to LA
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 29, 2023
These two moves will reportedly open up nearly $12.5 million and help Los Angeles go after at least one free agent on the open market, according to ESPN.
