The Los Angeles Lakers addressed a evident roster want by buying Deandre Ayton to anchor their frontcourt.
The No. 1 general choose from the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton joins LeBron James and Luka Doncic to kind a star trio that might reshape L.A.’s championship aspirations.
Whereas the transfer fills an apparent void, questions stay about whether or not the addition elevates the Lakers into reputable title competition.
ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr. just lately acknowledged Ayton’s worth whereas tempering expectations concerning the workforce’s general enchancment.
“This doesn’t make them a contender. This doesn’t make them actually that significantly better,” Dennis mentioned on “SportsCenter.”
“When you’re a Lakers fan cease listening to me …. as a result of I haven’t got rather more good to say about what Deandre Ayton goes to do when it comes to elevating the extent of this Lakers workforce.”@DavidDTSS is uncertain whether or not Ayton becoming a member of the Lakers will transfer the needle 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wsr0bHh5gm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 3, 2025
Ayton brings reputable manufacturing to Los Angeles, notably on the glass, the place he has averaged 10.5 rebounds per recreation in his seven NBA seasons.
His rebounding consistency represents a serious improve from earlier Lakers’ choices, equivalent to Jaxson Hayes.
Nevertheless, Ayton’s offensive contributions inform a extra advanced story.
The middle has proven the flexibility to attain effectively across the rim and from mid-range spots, however his manufacturing has different considerably relying on his function and confidence stage.
Final season with the Portland Path Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 factors per recreation, a decline from the averages he posted within the three earlier years.
Taking part in alongside two elite playmakers may unlock Ayton’s potential.
James and Doncic excel at creating straightforward scoring alternatives for teammates, notably large males who can end across the basket.
The query turns into whether or not Ayton can capitalize on elevated touches and higher appears.
The Lakers now can function 4 reputable contributors in Doncic, James, Ayton and Austin Reaves.
Extra offseason offers may create extra upgrades, notably if they’ll add a flexible ahead who can deal with a number of positions, like James presently does.
NEXT: Betting Odds Listing Favorites To Land LeBron James