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Lakers Waive Mo Bamba, Decline Option on Malik Beasley

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated 6/29/23

The Lakers are waiving center Mo Bamba and declining the $16.5 million option on the contract of shooting guard Malik Beasley, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports and Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Both players were acquired at the February trade deadline and will now enter unrestricted free agency.

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

Beasley, 26, appeared in 81 games with the Jazz and Lakers last season, arriving in LA as the 3-point marksman the team had been seeking. But he failed to live up to that billing and seemed to be moved to the bench quickly. He shot just 27 percent on 3-pointers in limited playoff action.

Bamba, 23, was waived before his $10.3 million salary for 2023-24 became guaranteed. He sprained his ankle late in March and never really became the inside presence the Lakers hoped for upon return. Still, given his athleticism and upside, Bamba figures to get a fresh opportunity somewhere else soon.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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