LA Lakers injury update- Mo Bamba expected to return to lineup for Game 4

The LA Lakers are in dire straits. They are trailing 3-0 against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. However, they should be receiving some bench reinforcements for Game 4 on Monday. According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, Lakers big man Mo Bamba is expected to make his return to the lineup from a left ankle sprain.

“Lakers coach Darvin Ham tells @NBAonTNT he expects center Mo Bamba (ankle) to be available for Game 4 vs. Nuggets on Monday,” Haynes reported.

Bamba has missed the Lakers' last nine playoff games. He last played in their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, even when he was healthy, Bamba had been a non-factor.

The stretch five has tallied just three rebounds, one assist, one block and missed both of his field goal attempts in 10 minutes of action over three games. Those were the first three playoff games in Bamba’s career. He has yet to record his first career playoff points.

How did Mo Bamba fare in the regular season for the LA Lakers?

LA Lakers reserve center Mo Bamba

The LA Lakers acquired Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic in a trade deadline deal involving the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets on February 9. Bamba appeared in nine games, averaging 3.7 points on 40.7% shooting, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks.

However, Bamba has proven to be a solid stretch-five capable of offering serviceable rim protection. During his time with the Magic, Bamba averaged 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and shot 36.0% from 3-point range over 266 games. The Magic selected him eighth overall in the 2018 NBA draft.

So, if the Lakers opt to go big in Game 4 or want more spacing at the five, perhaps Bamba could make an impact. At the very least, Bamba should provide the Lakers with an extra body to throw at Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic if necessary.

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