The Los Angeles Lakers have lost only two games so far this season, and they look like one of the best teams in the league. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have been fantastic, and their role players have stepped up in a big way.
They’ve managed to jump out to a hot start without LeBron James, who is yet to make his debut. Once he slides back into the rotation, the Lakers are expected to take the next step.
However, Los Angeles doesn’t boast a perfect team. They rank 27th in rebounds, and their bench is even worse, ranking 29th. Doncic leads the team in boards, with 11.5 per game. Deandre Ayton secures 8.5 rebounds per game, the lowest mark of his career.
To round out the frontcourt, the Lakers could turn to a struggling Eastern Conference team with very clear weaknesses of its own.
GettyORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers steps back to take a shot beyond the three-point-line against Caleb Houstan #2 of the Orlando Magic in the first half of a game at Kia Center on March 24, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Could Make Trade With Orlando Magic
As the Lakers thrive, the Orlando Magic are floundering. After adding Desmond Bane this offseason, Orlando was expected to be one of the very best teams in the Eastern Conference.
Instead, they are 3-4. Still boasting a top-ten defense, their offense continues to lag, even with Bane in the rotation. The Magic remain one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA.
Unfortutly, the Magic have lots of money tied up in Bane, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Their options are limited. However, they could swap unwanted young players with the Lakers.
Dalton Knecht, after a failed trade last season, is the most expendable player on the roster. He is shooting only 20% from deep this season, but his offensive potential must be considered by the Magic. Los Angeles and Orlando are perfectly primed to make a beneficial deal for both teams.
Mock Trade Sends Dalton Knecht to Orlando
The Magic need offense, and the Lakers need rebounding. A feasible trade is easy to come up with.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Orlando Magic receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2031 second-round pick
- Los Angeles Lakers recieve: Goga Bitadze, Jett Howard
In exchange for taking on Jarred Vanderbilt’s remaining three years under contract, the Magic also get a distant second-round pick. Knecht, despite a slow start to this season, still has a lot of potential as a shooter.
The Magic need offense, and Knecht provides some relief. Jett Howard is going to enter free agency this summer after Orlando declined his team option. The biggest piece of this trade is Goga Bitadze, who has emerged as one of the better backup centers in the NBA.
However, as Mortiz Wagner gets closer to returning from injury and Jonathan Isaac remains healthy, Bitadze is expendable. He averaged 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds last season while playing solid defense.
For the Lakers, Bitadze would be a massive frontcourt upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, giving them some peace of mind when Ayton sits. For the Magic, this trade offers a chance to salvage their season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mock Los Angeles Lakers Trade Fixes Struggling Eastern Conference Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.