Recently, the Game Theory Podcast with Sam Vecenie suggested a hypothetical Los Angeles Lakers offseason trade that could check several boxes when it comes to their current roster needs. The imagined deal would involve the Orlando Magic, and it would be centered around the Lakers sending Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht to Orlando in return for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Goga Bitadze.
This deal, were it to be completed in real life, would likely require a third team stepping in for it to be realistic. However, the framework of the trade does make a lot of sense for both sides here, given that it addresses needs on each roster.
For the Lakers, they would get a big boost in adding former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope back to the mix, gaining a valuable three-and-D wing who was instrumental in helping them bring home the 2020 NBA championship. Of course, LA's roster is currently lacking in solid perimeter defenders as well as reliable three-point shooting.
Adding a playoff-tested guy who plays well without the ball in his hands would be a wonderful move for a Luka Doncic team. Then, with Bitadze, the Lakers would finally get that big man they have so desperately been needing.
Caldwell-Pope and Bitadze would be needed additions to this roster
We know that Goga Bitadze isn't a high-flying center and doesn't possess supreme physical skills like some others. But what he does bring to the table is strong interior defense and rebounding, something the Lakers have been lacking ever since Anthony Davis left town back in February.
What makes this fake trade realistic is how beneficial it is for the Magic as well. They'd be moving off Caldwell-Pope's contract, which makes sense given that he doesn't exactly fit their younger timeline going forward. Instead, they'd have Dalton Knecht, who is a promising young prospect who's already a reliable shooter and scoring threat.
Hachimura would give Orlando more offensive versatility, and Vincent could serve as another guiding veteran presence. All things, considered, it's basically a win-win for these two teams.
Again, you'd likely have to loop in a third team here, but the core concept is near-flawless. The Lakers need to upgrade this roster is they're to remain a championship contender in the twilight of LeBron James' career, and something like this could be a perfect move to get them that much closer to banner number 18.
