Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is guarded by Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Surprising Center Named as Trade Option For Lakers

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 10:30 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have a pretty clear center problem.

By the end of L.A.'s eventual five-game first-round playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves this spring, head coach JJ Redick was gluing former starting five Jaxson Hayes to the bench, and had played only Maxi Kleber some token minutes among his traditional centers.

Los Angeles offloaded 10-time All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks as the centerpiece of its blockbuster deal to acquire five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic, and waived Christian Wood.

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The team was stuck with Hayes by default for the rest of the regular season, as Kleber was recuperating from a foot surgery.

In a new piece, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register projects some possible fits at the five that could make sense for Los Angeles.

Who are realistic potential big men targets for the Lakers? https://t.co/LSkDHB3bZw
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) May 30, 2025

"It’s no secret what the Lakers’ biggest need is this offseason: they’re on the hunt to fortify their big man room," Price notes. "[General manager and team president of basketball operations] Rob Pelinka has spoken of the team’s big man need for months since sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, including as recently as the day after the Lakers’ season ended."

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Price floats Orlando Magic reserve center Goga Bitadze as an intriguing potential trade target.

Bitadze is still under contract for two more seasons, and earning a reasonable $15.3 million from 2025-27.

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The 6-foot-11 big man enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season for the 41-41 Magic. Across 70 healthy games, the 25-year-old averaged a career-best 7.2 points on 61.1 percent field goal shooting and 63.9 percent free throw shooting, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per bout.

He'd be a solid rim presence for Los Angeles, and a good lob threat for Doncic. Bitadze isn't the flashiest prospect, but he has room to grow and would be fairly affordable to acquire via trade.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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