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One day before the start of free agency across the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers announced decisions on two players that could have significant salary cap implications.
In February, they acquired multiple players via trade. Two were center Mo Bamba and guard Malik Beasley. Both were expected to help the team with its 3-point shooting, which was arguably its biggest weakness.
However, Bamba barely played. Beasley shot poorly and eventually lost his spot in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation during the playoffs.
The Lakers are waiving Bamba and declining next season’s team option on Beasley’s contract. However, at least one of them could stay with the team on a different contract.
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
These two moves will reportedly open nearly $12.5 million and help Los Angeles go after at least one free agent on the open market, according to ESPN.