Isaac Bonga turned heads at EuroBasket 2025 with his stellar play. The former Los Angeles Lakers wing showcased signs of clear improvements since departing from the NBA. So much so that many had begun discussing when his opportunity to return to the league would inevitably come.
Marc Stein has come along with answers to those questions. After helping Germany secure their spot as champions of EuroBasket 2025, Bonga should be on his way back to the NBA. However, that opportunity will not be immediate.
Stein wrote, "League sources say Bonga attracted interest from several NBA teams earlier this summer even before his EuroBasket exploits, but he committed to spending the 2025-26 season with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia after a concrete NBA offer failed to materialize."
The NBA insider explained the expectation will be for Bonga to draw 'more serious NBA interest' when the 2026 free agency period comes around. Perhaps that would mean a reunion with the Lakers could be on the table.
Germany’s defensive star has positioned himself perfectly for Lakers roster spot
Watching Bonga flourish overseas has been a treat for Lakers fans who remember him from his rookie season in Los Angeles. The German defensive stopper has displayed clear signs of growth. In particular, his skill set should be attractive for what the Lakers will need beside Luka Doncic.
Bonga's first year in the NBA with the Lakers was largely forgettable. The former second-round pick averaged 0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.4 steals per game in his 22 appearances for Los Angeles. The front office would give up on him after just one season.
Bonga's defensive upside has already been clear. With a wingspan that reaches seven feet, the former Laker has proven capable of being a disruptive defender, hounding his matchups to the point of frustration. It helped him capture the inaugural Best Defensive Player award at EuroBasket 2025.
Bonga should have 30 teams fighting for him after this
— Jesp (@jespvg) September 14, 2025
Stein pointed out the biggest reason for the revived interest from NBA teams has been his growth as a perimeter shooter. The improvements offensively certainly make it much easier to envision Bonga having a role off the bench in the league.
3-and-D role players are the archetype NBA teams will never turn away. That should be esepcially true for the Lakers.
Doncic thrives with being surrounded by that mold. The defensive element for Bonga should be unquestionable. It is whether the perimeter shot can continue to hold up.
Bonga shot 45.2 percent from beyond the arc on 3.4 attempts per game at EuroBasket 2025. No one is expecting him to sustain that level in the NBA. However, managing an above average percentage from deep would give Rob Pelinka plenty of reasons to use Bonga in the efforts of filling a crucial roster need.