Lakers still linked to Bitadze despite his sideline clash with Doncic

Lakers insider Khobi Price says any pre-camp addition would likely be center depth behind Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, with Orlando's Goga Bitadze remaining a name in that conversation despite a heated in-game exchange with Luka Doncic last March that drew technical fouls for both.

Lakers reporter Trevor Lane argued the spat shouldn't block a deal, calling it logistically simple given Bitadze's $7.6 million salary, and floated a package built around Jaden Hardy and draft capital.

Lane noted Orlando's tight finances could make a short-term rental less appealing to the Magic than a player with multiple years left on his deal. Separately, Heavy insider Sean Deveney reports the Bulls could look to move Jalen Smith once the season starts, with the Lakers among the teams that would have interest.