Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) watches from the bench in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Pelicans Sign Former Lakers, Clippers Player

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 1:12 PM ET

Amid a 2024-25 season of injuries and many losses, the New Orleans Pelicans are holding out hope. With star forward Zion Williamson still leading the charge, the Pelicans continue to build up the roster as much as possible.

The Pelicans are riding a four-game losing streak after getting narrowly defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, falling to 17-48 on the season. Following the loss, however, the Pelicans have reportedly added some fresh talent.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Pelicans are signing 26-year-old center Mo Bamba to a 10-day contract.

7-footer Mo Bamba has agreed to a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports and Greer Love told ESPN. Bamba averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Clippers this season before posting 21 points and 15 rebounds a game in the G League. pic.twitter.com/KNf96vRQPe
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 10, 2025

Bamba most recently played for the LA Clippers, where he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in just 12.6 minutes through 28 games this season. Bamba was drafted to the Orlando Magic sixth overall in 2018, spending four-and-a-half seasons there before getting traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bamba's career-best year came in 2021-22 when he averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in Orlando while shooting 48% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Outside of standout rookie Yves Missi, the Pelicans' center depth is very thin, so adding a 7-footer into the bench rotation should be a great addition. A veteran like Bamba could certainly earn a rest-of-season contract with the Pelicans if he is given ample opportunity during his ten-day deal.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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