It was a wild weekend in the NBA as we got the first major trade of the offseason with Desmond Bane being sent to the Orlando Magic. With that move set to become official soon, the Los Angeles Lakers may have been handed a unique opportunity to put together a package to acquire Goga Bitadze from Orlando.
As we know, ripple effects go all over the association when a move like the one we saw over the weekend happens. It's very possible the Magic will be looking to trim their salary going forward, since they're now taking on Bane's remaining four years and $153 million that's on his contract.
Bitadze had arguably his best professional season in 2024-25, continuing to develop into one of the best rim protectors off the bench in the league. Goga already faces a pretty crowded starting frontcourt in Orlando, and Desmond Bane will be now be eating more minutes among the Magic's main rotation as well.
This could be the perfect opportunity for the Lakers to swoop in. Bitadze may not have a polished enough offensive game to be a starter, but his defensive instincts and rebounding ability make him a solid role-playing big man that could work in Los Angeles.
Goga Bitadze could be a fit on the Lakers' roster
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Obviously, the Lakers are [still looking for more big men](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-center-target-has-become-crystal-clear) that can play well alongside Luka Doncic and further open up his game. Number 77 is at his best when he has a big that can be a threat in pick-and-roll as well as be a reliable shot-blocker behind him on defense.
We know that Goga Bitadze isn't exactly a lob machine, but he's a strong finisher and solid positional defender. It's not unreasonable to think he could thrive alongside the likes of a top-five player in the NBA.
Bringing in Bitadze would be a low-cost addition, given that he's set to earn just $15.9 million over the next two years. What this would do is allow the Lakers to then focus [more of their attention on capable wings and shooters](https://lakeshowlife.com/dorian-finney-smith-surgery-all-but-confirms-status-lakers) with their remaining resources in the offseason.
Goga Bitadze would give LA a strong foundation on the interior that wouldn't handicap them financially or force them into some sort of troubling long-term commitment. If the front office wants to take advantage of this situation in Orlando, they'd do well to make a call to the Magic in the coming days.