Boldly Predicting the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2018-19 Starting Lineup

Center: Mohamed Bamba

Now let’s tie this lineup together with a name not many folks have heard quite yet. Don’t worry, though–you’ll know who Mohamed Bamba is within the next year or so.

So here’s what you need to know: Bamba is a ridiculously athletic, 7-foot big man set to enter the college ranks in 2017. Based on what we’ve seen from him so far, there’s little doubt he decides to take his talents to the league in 2018.

When that time comes, there’s almost no reason to believe he won’t come off the board in the top three.

The next part: how do the Lakers get him? By retaining their 2017 first-round pick, the Lakers send their 2018 first-round pick (no protection) to the Philadelphia 76ers. That leaves them without any way of landing Bamba, right? Well, not so fast…

I’m not sure which team it’ll be, but the Lakers find a trade partner prior to the 2018 NBA Draft that wants a star point guard. With the 2018 draft class expected to be loaded with frontcourt talent, Russell suddenly becomes an exciting alternative.

Los Angeles already knows they’re ready to go all-in on signing Westbrook, so they roll the dice by trading Russell (and other assets) away. They have Jordan Clarkson as a backup plan anyway.

Next: 3 Options For Lakers With Top-3 Pick

That lands them a top-three pick, which they then use to secure Bamba. He immediately steps in as their starting center, upping the ante on defense with his phenomenal rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.

Let’s also assume the Lakers found a way to unload Timofey Mozgov and his absurd contract, paving the way for the rookie to shine under the bright Hollywood lights.