3 Top Lakers Buyout Candidates After Mark Williams Trade Fails
When it was announced that Mark Williams had failed his physical with the Los Angeles Lakers and would return to the Charlotte Hornets, it sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
This unexpected turn of events meant that one of the Lakers’ most surprising offseason trades was no longer valid. LA’s need for a proven lob threat remained, and both Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish would need to come back to Crypto.com Arena, attempting to move past this unusual chapter of their careers.
The worst part? With the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline already passing, the Lakers cannot adjust the trade to make it fair. They’re also unable to acquire a center to fill the same role. Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, a favored trade target, isn’t available under Danny Ainge’s management. Additionally, they can’t bring in players like “Timelord” Robert Williams or any of the Portland Trail Blazers’ centers. Moreover, due to their cap situation, they can’t pursue buyout candidates like Ben Simmons, who’s ineligible due to a previous contract.
Despite having 15 players under contract and possibly choosing to stay with their current roster, if the Lakers decide to explore the buyout market, several intriguing options could provide short-term improvements to the team, including some with ties to LA.
1. Mo Bamba
If the Lakers opt to free up a roster spot for a center who can play defense, catch lobs, and occasionally hit open Pointers, Mo Bamba stands out as the best available option.
A former lottery pick from Texas who has moved around the league since his time with the Orlando Magic, Bamba played for the Lakers in 2023, teaming up with LeBron James for ten games down the stretch. Although Bamba didn’t make a significant impact during his short stint, averaging his lowest points per game of his career, his skills were enough for the 76ers to sign him in 2023 and for the Clippers to bring him in before he was waived by the Utah Jazz.
Now a free agent, Bamba could return to LA, fill a reserve role, and ideally offer more value with his play. Since 2022, Bamba has appeared in 134 games, averaging 5.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and a block per game. He’s been part of several different systems, working with players like Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Tobias Harris. During his time with the Lakers, he had a few highlights with LeBron, even if it wasn’t enough for a long-term spot on the team.
Given his previous desire to stay in Los Angeles, the loss of Williams could open a window for Bamba to prove his worth, as he enters a crucial point in his career following his mid season release from the Jazz. With limited options to fill the five spot, Bamba may have the perfect chance to showcase his talents before the 2025 NBA free agency.
2. Daniel Theis
What kind of player do the Lakers need at the five spot next to Doncic and LeBron James? They need someone who can go vertical for alley-oops, which both of these star playmakers excel at. They also need a player who can defend the paint, contest shots, grab rebounds, and keep up on both ends of the floor. Ideally, it would be a young star who can stay with the team once James retires, but the Lakers aren’t in a position to be too picky right now.
Unfortunately, Daniel Theis doesn’t tick all those boxes, but he shouldn’t be ruled out as a potential buyout target. Theis brings some qualities that have historically been beneficial to James-led teams.
For one, Theis is a stretch five, with a career 3-point shooting percentage of 32.6%. Over his eight years in the NBA, he’s made nearly 200 three-pointers per season. This ability to space the floor could make him a valuable asset to a Lakers team in need of a versatile center.