At the 2018 NBA combine, Bamba measured at tall and measured a wingspan, breaking the record previously held by
Edy Tavares. At a private workout, Bamba reportedly ran faster than most of the NBA, including MVP
Russell Westbrook, since he had a 3.04 3/4 court sprint. Bamba refused to work out with the
Memphis Grizzlies before the draft, and told them not to draft him.
Orlando Magic (2018–2023) On June 21, 2018, Bamba was selected with the sixth overall pick by the
Orlando Magic in the
2018 NBA draft. On July 3, 2018, Bamba officially signed a rookie-scale contract with the Magic. He made his professional debut on October 17, 2018, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks off the bench in a 104–101 win over the
Miami Heat. On May 3, 2021, Bamba scored 22 points and grabbed a then-career-high 15 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench in a 119–112 win over the
Detroit Pistons. On October 29, 2021, Bamba grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds and scored 14 points during a 110–109 loss to the
Toronto Raptors. On January 19, 2022, Bamba scored a career-high 32 points on seven three-pointers made in a 123–110 loss to the
Philadelphia 76ers. On July 1, 2022, Bamba re-signed with the Magic on a two-year deal. On December 29, he was suspended by the NBA for one game without pay due to coming off the bench during an altercation in a game against the
Detroit Pistons the day before. On February 4, 2023, Bamba was suspended by the NBA for four games without pay due to his role in an altercation during a game against the
Minnesota Timberwolves the day before. During the altercation, Bamba left the Magic bench area and threw punches at Timberwolves guard
Austin Rivers.
Los Angeles Lakers (2023) On February 9, 2023, Bamba was traded to the
Los Angeles Lakers in a four-team trade involving the
Los Angeles Clippers and
Denver Nuggets. On March 5, during a 113–105 win over the
Golden State Warriors, he played two minutes before suffering a left ankle injury and leaving the game. Four days later, the Lakers announced that Bamba had been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and would be sidelined for at least four weeks. He returned to action on 7 April, playing as a substitute in a game against the
Phoenix Suns. On June 29, 2023, Bamba was waived by the
Los Angeles Lakers.
Philadelphia 76ers (2023–2024) On July 9, 2023, Bamba signed a one-year deal with the
Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers' franchise player
Joel Embiid insisted to Bamba that he join his team.
Los Angeles Clippers (2024–2025) On July 6, 2024, Bamba signed a one-year deal with the
Los Angeles Clippers. On February 1, 2025, Bamba, with
P. J. Tucker, a 2030 second-round pick and cash considerations were traded to the
Utah Jazz in exchange for
Drew Eubanks and
Patty Mills, but he was waived the next day.
New Orleans Pelicans (2025) On March 10, 2025, Bamba signed a 10-day contract with the
New Orleans Pelicans, for whom he played in four games.
Salt Lake City Stars (2025) On September 25, 2025, Bamba signed with the
Utah Jazz but was waived after preseason training camp. On October 27, 2025, he joined the
Salt Lake City Stars.
Toronto Raptors (2025–2026) On December 29, 2025, Bamba signed a one-year contract with the
Toronto Raptors. He made two appearances for Toronto, averaging no points and one rebound. On January 6, 2026, Bamba was waived by the Raptors.
Utah Jazz (2026) On March 8, 2026, Bamba signed a 10–day contract with the
Utah Jazz. Out with an illness before a three-game road trip, his contract was terminated by the team on March 12. ==National team career==