Lakers consider trading for Goga Bitadze as Kessler's backup
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 10, 2026, 2:11 AM
Last updated Oct 10, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers have played three preseason games without starting center Walker Kessler, who did not participate due to non-serious issues according to head coach JJ Redick. With Kessler's uncertain status, the Lakers are exploring options for a backup center, currently relying on Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane suggests Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic could be a viable trade target, citing his rim protection and team-friendly contract. However, the Lakers face roster limitations that may complicate any moves before the regular season starts.
- •Kessler missed three preseason games, causing concern about the center position.
- •The Lakers currently have Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili backing up Kessler.
- •Trevor Lane suggests Goga Bitadze as a potential trade target.
- •Bitadze is on an expiring contract worth around $7.6 million.
- •The Lakers must make roster adjustments to acquire Bitadze or any new player.
- 3:28 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Trade Pitch Lands $54M Record-Setting Star Center Next to Luka Doncic
- 2:11 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Pushed to Trade for 6’11” Notorious Luka Doncic Enemy as Kessler’s Backup
"The Los Angeles Lakers have played three preseason games so far, and in all three, newly acquired starting center Walker Kessler didn’t play. While head coach JJ Redick has said that it was nothing serious, fans may start to get worried about their center position without the 7-foot-2 star.Kessler’s backup option at the moment is […] The post Lakers Pushed to Trade for 6’11” Notorious Luka Doncic Enemy as Kessler’s Backup appeared first on HEAVY.
"Not that red flags need to be raised about Walker Kessler’s absence in preseason so far, but perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t put so much emphasis on getting an ideal backup to the newly acquired starting center. Kevon Looney was more of a cheap option than an ideal one given how his career has unfolded […] The post Lakers Trade Pitch Lands $54M Record-Setting Star Center Next to Luka Doncic appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 10, 2026, 3:28 AMLakers Trade Pitch Lands $54M Record-Setting Star Center Next to Luka Doncic
Not that red flags need to be raised about Walker Kessler’s absence in preseason so far, but perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t put so much emphasis on getting an ideal backup to the newly acquired starting center. Kevon Looney was more of a cheap option than an ideal one given how his career has unfolded […] The post Lakers Trade Pitch Lands $54M Record-Setting Star Center Next to Luka Doncic appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsOct 10, 2026, 2:11 AMLakers Pushed to Trade for 6’11” Notorious Luka Doncic Enemy as Kessler’s Backup
The Los Angeles Lakers have played three preseason games so far, and in all three, newly acquired starting center Walker Kessler didn’t play. While head coach JJ Redick has said that it was nothing serious, fans may start to get worried about their center position without the 7-foot-2 star.Kessler’s backup option at the moment is […] The post Lakers Pushed to Trade for 6’11” Notorious Luka Doncic Enemy as Kessler’s Backup appeared first on HEAVY.
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