NBA: Bear-strong debut for Bonga – Wagner “pulled up”

The South Bay Lakers played their first game of the season in the G-League on Sunday night – the two German rookies Isaac Bonga and Moritz Wagner were also there.

South Bay, the “farm team” of the Los Angeles Lakers, lost their opening game with 106:108 against the Stockton Kings, but the performance of the two German imports should have pleased the Lakers managers nevertheless. In particular No.39-Pick Bonga made a very strong game at the beginning.

In 29 minutes the 18-year-old, who was used as Power Forward in this game, scored strong 27 points and 9 rebounds with very good odds: 9/14 hit Bonga out of the field, 2/3 from the triple line and 7/7 free throws. Again and again Bonga attacked the basket aggressively and played out his physical advantages. The former Fraport Skyliner also recorded 3 assists and 2 blocks.

The debut also went well for Wagner. The Berliner also played 29 minutes and got 17 points (8/18 FG) and 7 rebounds – for him it was also more important after the injury break to get a rhythm again. But this mission has already been accomplished: As the Lakers announced in the night on Sunday, the No.25 pick had already been ordered “upwards” again.

The Lakers are still thin on the center position, although they will probably hire veteran Tyson Chandler next week. So Wagner has a good chance of being used. Bonga, on the other hand, is expected to spend quite a large part of the season in South Bay.