3 Ideal Lakers Buyout Candidates After Mark Williams Trade Collapse
When it was revealed that Mark Williams had failed his physical with the Los Angeles Lakers and would be returning to the Charlotte Hornets, it sent shockwaves through the NBA.
The second-most surprising trade of the Lakers’ offseason was suddenly nullified, leaving LA’s need for a proven lob threat intact. Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish would now have to return to Crypto.com Arena, hoping to move past this unusual phase of their careers.
The most frustrating aspect? With the 2025 NBA Trade deadline already passed, the Lakers couldn’t adjust the trade or go after a similar center to fill the void. Players like Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler, who had been a top trade target, remain unavailable. Additionally, names like “Timelord” Robert Williams and other Portland Trail Blazers centers are off the table. The Lakers’ financial situation also limits their ability to pursue significant buyout candidates, like Ben Simmons, whose contract makes him ineligible for a move to LA.
However, despite having 15 players on the roster and possibly opting to stay as is, if the Lakers decide to dive into the buyout market, there are still plenty of intriguing options who could strengthen the team short-term, including a few with past ties to LA.
Mo Bamba
If the Lakers want to free up space to pursue a center who can defend, finish lobs, and occasionally knock down an open three, Mo Bamba is an excellent choice currently available.
A former lottery pick from Texas who has moved around the league after his time with the Orlando Magic, Bamba had a brief stint with the Lakers in 2023, playing alongside LeBron James for ten games. While he didn’t have a significant impact in LA, averaging his career-low points per game, it didn’t stop the 76ers from offering him a contract in 2023 or the Clippers from signing him in 2024 before he was traded to and waived by the Utah Jazz.
Now a free agent, Bamba could return to LA, filling a backup role for about 20 minutes a game and potentially showing more promise than before. Over the past few seasons, Bamba has played in 134 games with 26 starts, averaging 5.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and a block per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 37% from 3-point range on 1.8 attempts per game. He has experienced a variety of coaching styles and teammates, from Tyrese Maxey and James Harden to Kawhi Leonard and Tobias Harris. Even during his stint with LeBron, Bamba managed a few impressive moments.
Considering his previous desire to stay in LA and the Lakers’ current need at the five spot, Bamba could see this as a pivotal opportunity for his career. If he makes a significant impact, he could secure a more permanent role ahead of the 2025 NBA free agency.
Daniel Theis
What does the Lakers need at the five spot next to Doncic and James? Primarily, they need someone who can finish alley-oops, as both of the team’s star playmakers excel at setting up such plays. Additionally, they require a player capable of protecting the paint, contesting shots, grabbing rebounds, and contributing athletically on both ends of the floor as the game progresses. A young star for the future would be ideal, but at this moment, the Lakers can’t afford to be too selective.
Although Daniel Theis might not check all these boxes, he remains a worthy buyout candidate for LA due to his skill set, which has been successful for James-led teams in the past.
Theis is a stretch five, capable of hitting 3-pointers, with a career 32.6% shooting percentage from deep. Throughout his eight years in the league, he has averaged nearly 200 made three-pointers per season, which could help space the floor alongside LeBron and Doncic. While Theis may not bring the same verticality or defensive dominance as other options, his floor-spacing abilities could still make him an appealing addition for the Lakers.
