Isaac Bonga was stuck on the fringes for four seasons of his time in the NBA. Since departing from the league, the former Los Angeles Lakers guard has blossomed into exactly the type of player the roster could significantly benefit from in 2025-26.
That is not to say the Lakers should go out there and sign Bonga. It is simply an invitation to refamiliarize oneself with an easily forgettable castoff and be cognizant of the fact that just because an NBA career does not work out, it does not mean a basketball career fails.
Fans of NBA2K surely know the name of the lengthy defender. Bonga was a legend in many circles of the MyTeam community.
That success has not been limited to the confines of a video game alone. Bonga has enjoyed a solid career as a successful role player over in the EuroLeague and continues to be a key member of his national team, Germany, at every opportunity to represent the country.
Isaac Bonga transformed from NBA afterthought to international difference-maker
Bonga only spent one season with the Lakers. Minutes hardly came his way. In 2018-29, Bonga averaged 0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 5.5 minutes per game off the bench.
His last stop in the NBA was with the Toronto Raptors during 2021-22. Bonga continued to struggle, averaging 0.8 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in just 4.6 minutes per game during 15 appearances.
After four seasons in the NBA, the German hooper found himself heading back home to the EuroLeague, joining Bayern Munich for the 2022-23 season. Bonga finally hit his stride as a basketball pro.
The statistics from his three campaigns in the EuroLeague are not eye-popping. Bonga has posted 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 35.8 percent on his 3-point attempts. However, his ability to be a disruptive defender has carved out a spot for him professionally.
Wait…
Isaac Bonga is STILL ONLY 25yo??
6’8, 7’0 wingspan…
Maybe the Lakers were onto something back in 2019…
Maybe they were TOO EARLY in their onto somethings…
pic.twitter.com/I0mLVkdZff
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) August 10, 2025
The international stage is where Bonga has really shined, serving as a menace who has been willing to hound opposing teams stars. The long wingspan has certainly not been enjoyable to deal with for any of his matchups.
Bonga was one of the players nominated alongside Luka Doncic for the inaugural Best Defensive Player award at EuroBasket 2025. Germany's difficult defender should also be the man who gets plenty of looks against Doncic in the quarterfinal matchup between the two nations.
The Slovenian superstar, who has been exceptionally great at EuroBasket, will hope his experience against Bonga goes better than Lauri Markkanen's did. Markkanen struggled in his matchup, only scoring 11 points in Finland's disappointing 91-61 loss to Germany in the Group Phase.
“When he goes home, I hope he has nightmares about me. And I hope that when he dreams, he dreams of me,” Bonga told Magenta Sport, showcasing his swagger after the win.
Germany stands in the way of Slovenia's medal aspirations at EuroBasket 2025. That will mean Lakers fans will get a long opportunity to watch their former castoff go at it with their current superstar.