In a twist of NBA fate that feels straight out of a Hollywood script, the Los Angeles Lakers might be on the verge of bringing back a player they once let slip through their fingers. Isaac Bonga, the lanky German forward selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft (39th overall), was unceremoniously “dumped” as part of the blockbuster trade that landed Anthony Davis in Purple and Gold. Now, at 26 years old and dominating overseas, Bonga has emerged as the perfect low-cost, high-impact solution the Lakers desperately crave amid their offseason rebuild. With reports of multiple NBA teams sniffing around his buyout from KK Partizan—only to be rebuffed— a reunion in L.A. is looming larger than ever. And at an estimated $10.7 million over a potential two-year deal, he could be the steal that completes their championship puzzle.
The Draft Steal That Got Away: Bonga’s Rocky Start in the NBA
Flash back to 2018: The Lakers, always on the hunt for hidden gems, scooped up the 6-foot-9 Bonga out of Germany. With his freakish wingspan, defensive instincts, and raw athleticism, he was pegged as a developmental project with star potential—a “draft steal” in every sense. Bonga made his NBA debut that season, appearing in 22 games for the Lakers, where he flashed glimpses of his two-way versatility. But in the summer of 2019, as Rob Pelinka orchestrated the massive Anthony Davis trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, Bonga was tossed in as sweetener alongside Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and draft picks.
It stung, but it was business. Bonga bounced to the Washington Wizards, where he played two seasons, averaging modest numbers (2.0 points, 1.7 rebounds in 2020-21) before a brief stint with the Toronto Raptors in 2021-22. Struggling for consistent minutes, he returned to Europe, signing with Bayern Munich in his native Germany. There, he rediscovered his groove, helping the team win the 2024 Bundesliga championship and two German Cup titles.
Overseas Domination: From Bayern to Partizan, Bonga Becomes a Beast
Bonga’s European resurgence has been nothing short of spectacular. After two solid years with Bayern, he joined Serbian powerhouse KK Partizan in 2024, where he’s thrived under legendary coach Željko Obradović. In the ABA League, he earned Best Defender honors while leading Partizan to a domestic title. This season, through 44 games, Bonga is posting career-highs: 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 26.5 minutes, shooting an impressive 51.1% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.
His all-around game has turned heads across the pond. According to reports from Meridian Sport and Eurohoops, Partizan recently turned down four lucrative buyout offers from NBA teams midseason, unwilling to part with their most consistent player amid injuries and roster challenges. Bonga extended his contract with Partizan until 2027 last summer, but with an NBA exit clause that has since expired for this season, summer 2026 could be his window back to the league.
Why the Lakers Desperately Need Bonga: The $10.7M Perfect Fit
Fast-forward to now: The Lakers are staring down a pivotal offseason with roughly $51 million in projected cap space, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks—even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million hold. LeBron James’ future hangs in the balance with unrestricted free agency and retirement whispers swirling, while internal tensions add uncertainty. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports L.A. is gearing up for an “all-out pursuit” of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, but if that superstar swing misses, the focus shifts to smart, undervalued additions.
Enter Bonga. As Lake Show Life’s Josh Cornelissen astutely notes, the Lakers need “high-energy role players to fill in around their stars” rather than more ball-dominant talents. Bonga’s defensive prowess, rebounding tenacity, and efficient scoring make him an ideal complementary piece next to LeBron (if he stays), Anthony Davis, and Reaves. He’s not a star, but at 6-9 with guard-like handles and wing versatility, he could slot seamlessly into the rotation as a 3-and-D forward—think a budget version of what the Lakers hoped for from past signings.
The price tag? With Bonga’s proven track record overseas and NBA experience, projections peg a potential two-year deal around $10.7 million total, fitting neatly under the Lakers’ cap or via exceptions like the $9.4 million room mid-level (projected for 2026-27). That’s bargain-bin value for a player who’s drawn interest from multiple teams and could provide immediate impact without breaking the bank. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has highlighted similar international targets like Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams III, but Bonga’s familiarity with the organization adds a nostalgic edge.
A Full-Circle Reunion: Nostalgia Meets Necessity
Bringing Bonga back wouldn’t just be smart basketball— it’d be poetic. “Reunions are a part of the NBA, and the Lakers have been a part of many,” Cornelissen writes. This one would be a “slow cast of the boomerang,” undoing a tiny piece of the AD trade while bolstering the roster. Bonga knows the Lakers’ system, the pressure of playing in L.A., and the thrill of chasing rings. With restricted free agents like Peyton Watson and Tari Eason likely staying put due to matching rights, unrestricted options like Bonga from the international market are gold.
Whether the Lakers land Giannis or pivot to multiple upgrades, players like Bonga embody the low-risk, high-reward moves that win championships. As Partizan holds firm on his buyout for now, all eyes turn to summer 2026. Could the draft steal they dumped become the savior they need? The reunion looms—and it might just be the spark that reignites the Lakers’ dynasty dreams.