Former NBA player Richard Jefferson has expressed optimism about one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent acquisitions. Although the Lakers were slow to make moves in free agency, they have added two players, Jake Laravia and Deandre Ayton.
Ayton’s signing has garnered significant attention, as the Lakers were in dire need of a center and now have the former top draft pick on their roster. After struggling during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton is eager to prove himself and aims to chase a championship with the Lakers.
Jefferson shared his perspective on Ayton’s situation, drawing a parallel to JR Smith, who initially struggled to realize his potential before teaming up with LeBron James in Cleveland. In an interview on Lord Trippin, Jefferson remarked that Ayton possesses all the necessary talent and that his daily focus should be on consistent effort. He emphasized that the Lakers aren’t expecting Ayton to score 30 points a game or become an All-Star immediately, but to bring stability to the team. Jefferson believes Ayton could turn out to be one of the biggest surprises of the free agency period.
Ayton has also expressed excitement about playing alongside Luka Dončić, likening the experience to being in a video game. Meanwhile, NBA analyst Bill Simmons cautioned that the Lakers had concerns about how well this move might work, suggesting Ayton’s motivation could be influenced by the drama of the “soap opera” atmosphere surrounding the team. Jefferson acknowledged this possibility but noted that Ayton is at a critical point in his career where he must seize the opportunity.
Former NBA player Channing Frye also weighed in, warning that moving to LA comes with risks, and if Ayton isn’t fully committed, the situation could become challenging.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for basketball enthusiasts because Ayton’s combination of talent and fresh motivation could make the Lakers a more formidable force in the league. If he can live up to his potential, it could signal a pivotal shift in power within the Western Conference and spark renewed excitement for the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
