With training camp drawing closer, the Los Angeles Lakers still have some roster work to do, and the center spot remains a clear area of need. The team already has 16 guaranteed contracts, but there is still room for movement before the 2026-2027 season begins, including the possibility of shedding salary through a trade.
Right now, the Lakers are light up front. Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney are on the roster, but the club could still use another true big man to back them up. Sandro Mamukelashvili is available if needed at the five, though he’s more naturally a combo forward than a full-time center.
One name that has come up is Orlando Magic big man Goga Bitadze. Basketball analyst Trevor Lane believes the Lakers would seriously consider making that kind of move if the opportunity is there.
“Immediately, people will jump to well, Goga and Luka got into it last year. I try to not to put too much stock into that because we’ve seen, look Kobe played with Matt Barnes.
LeBron played with Lance Stephenson. We’ve seen it where guys get into it on the court, they get under each other’s skin.
Pat Bev and Russ Westbrook were on the same team, and then they can co-exist on the same club. So, I’m not just going to assume it’s a no-go simply because … Luka and Goga Bitadze got into it last year,” according to Lane.
Lane also pointed out that the deal would be workable from a roster-building standpoint.
“Is it possible for the Lakers to get Goga Bitadze? Yes.
Logistically, it’s not that difficult for them to make that kind of move,” Lane said. “(He’ll make) $7.6 million, problem.
Jaden Hardy, $6 million. And then whatever kind of draft capital we’re talking, off you go,” Lane continued.
The tension between Doncic and Bitadze dates back to a March 2026 Lakers-Magic game, when the two clashed during the matchup and the feud continued afterward. Doncic accused Bitadze of making explicit remarks aimed at his family.
Even with that history, the Lakers still appear to be looking at Bitadze as a possible answer to their depth problem. The team is thin at center, and adding another body there would help. If Doncic is willing to move past the feud, a deal before the season is at least on the table.
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Anthony Black Enters A Crucial Magic Season With Plenty To Prove
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The next step is obvious enough: keep building on the gains while sharpening the parts of his game that still need work, especially his three-point shooting and free-throw touch. If the sides do not reach an extension, Black would be on track to enter next summer as a restricted free agent, which gives this season a little extra weight for a player whose long-term fit with the Magic already looks promising. [Read more 🡒]