Mo Bamba, a former center for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, has joined the New Orleans Pelicans.
Certainly! Here’s a detailed exploration of Mo Bamba’s journey through the NBA, including his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the recent move to the New Orleans Pelicans. I will break it into several sections for clarity and depth.
Mo Bamba’s NBA Journey: From the Lakers and Clippers to the New Orleans Pelicans
Introduction
Mohamed Bamba, known as Mo Bamba, is a talented center with a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Drafted as the 6th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Bamba quickly garnered attention for his potential as a rim protector and a player with an intriguing skill set. After several years with Orlando, his career saw him moving to the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Los Angeles Clippers. In a recent development, Mo Bamba joined the New Orleans Pelicans, signaling a new chapter in his career.
This 2000-word piece delves into Bamba’s evolution as an NBA player, his brief stints with the Lakers and Clippers, and what he could bring to the Pelicans as they look to strengthen their roster for the future.
Early Life and NBA Entry
Born on May 12, 1998, in Harlem, New York, Mo Bamba’s basketball journey began at an early age. Standing at 7 feet tall, Bamba’s height combined with his impressive wingspan (7 feet 10 inches) made him an intriguing prospect from the moment he began to take basketball seriously. He attended the prestigious Westtown School in Pennsylvania, where his game truly began to take off.
During his high school career, Bamba was recognized for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and potential as a versatile defender. His talent was undeniable, and by the time he graduated, he was one of the top recruits in the country. Bamba chose to play college basketball for the Texas Longhorns under head coach Shaka Smart, where his skills continued to develop.
At Texas, Bamba’s defense stood out, particularly his shot-blocking ability. He averaged 3.0 blocks per game during his one season with the Longhorns, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the NCAA. His offensive game was more of a work in progress, but his size, athleticism, and raw potential were enough to make him a top draft prospect.
In the 2018 NBA Draft, Bamba was selected with the 6th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. The expectation was that he would be a cornerstone player for the Magic’s rebuilding effort, bringing a unique defensive presence and potential offensive upside.
Bamba’s Time with the Orlando Magic
Mo Bamba spent the first few years of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, where he showed flashes of the player he could become but struggled with consistency at times. In his rookie season (2018-2019), he averaged 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. While those numbers didn’t immediately blow anyone away, they showcased his potential as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Bamba’s defense and shot-blocking abilities quickly became his calling card.
Throughout his time in Orlando, Bamba demonstrated that he could be a formidable force in the paint. However, he faced challenges in terms of earning consistent playing time, particularly behind veterans like Nikola Vucevic. This led to Bamba’s development being somewhat slow, as he had to share minutes with other frontcourt players, limiting his opportunity to fully showcase his skills.
Despite these challenges, Bamba made notable improvements each year. His offensive game grew, as he developed a reliable three-point shot and became more effective in pick-and-roll situations. By his third season (2020-2021), he was averaging 10.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while still maintaining his shot-blocking prowess. Bamba’s length and mobility made him a valuable asset in pick-and-roll defense, and his shooting range made him a stretch-5 option, something that wasn’t as common for centers at the time.
However, Orlando’s rebuilding process meant that the Magic frequently shifted their roster, and as a result, Bamba’s role fluctuated. He was occasionally out of the starting lineup, but his potential was always visible.
Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers
In 2023, after a few seasons of fluctuating roles with the Magic, Bamba’s career took a significant turn. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a multi-team deal that saw the Lakers strengthen their roster. The trade was part of the Lakers’ efforts to build a more competitive team around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
At the time of the trade, the Lakers were looking to improve their depth, especially in the frontcourt. Mo Bamba’s shot-blocking ability and defensive versatility were seen as key assets that could complement Davis’ defensive game. In Los Angeles, Bamba hoped to prove that he could be more than just a shot-blocker and become a more integral part of a winning team.
In his first season with the Lakers, Bamba’s impact was somewhat limited. He struggled to carve out consistent minutes in a deep rotation that already featured Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, and others. Nevertheless, his size and defense provided the Lakers with valuable depth. He averaged 5.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in a relatively small role, often coming off the bench to provide energy and rim protection.
Bamba’s time with the Lakers was relatively brief, but it provided him with valuable experience playing for a team that had championship aspirations. While he didn’t make a massive impact, the exposure to high-level basketball and the Lakers’ strong organizational structure helped refine his skills.
The Los Angeles Clippers Stint
After his time with the Lakers, Mo Bamba’s NBA journey took another turn when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers were looking to bolster their bench and add depth to their frontcourt, especially with their championship window wide open with stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
With the Clippers, Bamba had the opportunity to be part of a team that was poised to compete for a title. However, much like his time with the Lakers, Bamba’s role was limited in Los Angeles. While he had the potential to be a strong defensive presence, the Clippers’ deep roster and their need for more offensive consistency meant that Bamba’s opportunities to shine were sparse.
During his brief time with the Clippers, Bamba averaged 4.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, and while he showed glimpses of his potential as a shot-blocker, he was often overshadowed by the more established players on the roster. Nevertheless, his time in Los Angeles served as another step in his development, as he continued to refine his game under the guidance of strong coaches and alongside talented teammates.
New Orleans Pelicans: A Fresh Start
In 2025, Mo Bamba’s career took another exciting turn when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans were an intriguing team, with a strong young core led by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. They were looking to add depth and bolster their frontcourt, especially after dealing with injuries and inconsistent performances from their role players.
The addition of Bamba to the Pelicans was seen as a potential game-changer. New Orleans already had a dynamic offense with players like Ingram and Williamson, and Bamba’s defense could help them become a more well-rounded team. His shot-blocking ability and size could be used to anchor the Pelicans’ defense, while his improved three-point shooting would give them another stretch option alongside their star players.
Bamba’s fit with the Pelicans is exciting for several reasons. First, his length and shot-blocking ability give the team a legitimate rim protector, something that could greatly improve their defense. Second, his ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting provides versatility in the frontcourt, allowing the Pelicans to run multiple offensive sets. Whether it’s as a starter or coming off the bench, Bamba provides the Pelicans with an intriguing option to pair with their star players.
Moreover, the Pelicans are a team on the rise, and with Bamba’s athleticism and defensive prowess, he could be a key part of their future success. The team’s need for a defensive anchor in the middle makes Bamba a valuable asset, and his ability to stretch the floor could be crucial as they look to keep up with the high-powered offenses of the Western Conference.
Bamba’s Future in New Orleans
Mo Bamba’s journey through the NBA has been marked by ups and downs, but his potential has never been in question. From his time with the Orlando Magic to his brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, Bamba has shown that he can be an impactful player in the right system. Now, with the New Orleans Pelicans, he finds himself in a position to contribute to a team with a promising future.
As the Pelicans look to build on their young core, Bamba’s defensive abilities and three-point shooting could make him an important piece of their puzzle. With a fresh start in New Orleans, Mo Bamba has the opportunity to prove that he can be more than just a role player and that his best years are still ahead of him.
The Pelicans’ move to add Bamba signifies their commitment to building a balanced and competitive team. With a strong supporting cast and an exciting young core, the future looks bright for the New Orleans Pelicans, and Mo Bamba could play a pivotal role in their success for years to come.