Lakers urged to make trade for young, promising backup center
New starter Deandre Ayton is a very potent scorer and capable rebounder, but he has always been accused of giving a lackluster effort on the defensive end. Backup Jaxson Hayes can block shots and protect the rim, but he's extremely limited offensively and too lanky to effectively box out, and his motor doesn't always function at a high rate.
Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon talked about one potential center option for the Lakers during a recent episode of the "Game Theory Podcast." They mentioned Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic and said he would "make a ton of sense" as a trade target for Los Angeles (h/t Lake Show Life).
"He's a borderline starting center in the NBA," Vecenie said. "He's really good on defense. He's on an amazing contract at like $8 million a year for the next two years, descending down to $7.6 million in 2026-27. … Goga is such a prime target. … He would make a ton of sense for [the Lakers]."
Bitadze was mentioned as a possible target for L.A. earlier this summer before it snagged Ayton following a buyout of Ayton's previous contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Orlando has Wendell Carter Jr. starting at center and Bitadze, Moritz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac as reserves.
Bitadze, who recently turned 26 years of age, averaged 7.2 points on 61.1% from the field, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 20.4 minutes a game last season. He can block shots and control the boards, and he's a strong finisher at the rim. He could also serve as some sort of insurance in case Ayton's lack of focus hurts the team, or in case Ayton doesn't work out at all.
He will make $8.3 million this season, which could make him a relatively inexpensive get for the Lakers, not to mention a substantial upgrade over Hayes.
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