The Los Angeles Lakers have been very active in the offseason free agency period. The biggest headline was LeBron James opting into the final year of his contract with the team. Besides that, the Lakers signed two promising players, Jake Laravia and DeAndre Ayton.
While both new additions have shared their ambitions for the upcoming season, analysts have weighed in on what each player might bring to the Lakers. Ayton’s signing received criticism from Kendrick Perkins, but other experts praised his skill set and past achievements.
Ayton joined the Lakers after spending two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his first year and 14.4 points with 10.2 rebounds in the following season. Reports suggested he was unhappy in Portland, missing practices and even arriving late for flights. Despite concerns about his attitude, analyst McIntyre believes Ayton will deliver strong performances and excite Lakers fans.
McIntyre noted how much Portland wanted Ayton gone, spending $10 million to move him, yet he places Ayton among the top eight centers in the league over his first seven seasons. Comparing him to stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid, McIntyre insists Ayton belongs in that elite group.
Ayton thrived most when playing alongside Chris Paul in Phoenix, averaging 14.4 and 17.2 points over two seasons together. He was a significant offensive threat, making life tough for defenders. Now, joining forces with LeBron James and Luka Dončić — two of the NBA’s best passers — Ayton is expected to shine.
The Lakers had rebounding issues last season, and Ayton’s career average of 10 rebounds per game will help address that. While Ayton and fellow center Jaxson Hayes are not particularly strong defensively at the perimeter, Ayton’s ability to consistently deliver double-doubles fills a gap left since Anthony Davis’ departure.
In summary, Ayton’s combination of offensive firepower and rebounding prowess makes him a valuable pickup for the Lakers as they look to compete at a high level once again.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for basketball fans because it signals a revitalized Lakers team with a blend of veteran leadership and promising talent. Ayton’s arrival could transform their frontcourt and push the Lakers closer to championship contention, making the upcoming season must-watch for NBA enthusiasts.
