NBA Free Agency 2025: does the addition of Deandre Ayton make the legitimate contenders of the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers finally found a center after having very little quality in the position.
That center is nothing more than the former Punta Choice of Deandre Ayton, who will now go to the field for the Lakers, joining Lebron James and the 2018 colleague of Ayton Luka Dončić’s 2018 selection. The agreement is for two years, with Ayton who has a player option for 2026-27.
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So, we roll the ball and ask the big questions.
What kind of player does he combine with the Lakers?
Ayton provides Lakers with a constant double presence. It can basically sleep at 10 rebounds per night, with a career average of 10.2 tables in seven seasons.
The score, which is mainly approaching the edge and on short mid -range shots, is an element of very debate, given that Ayton was a bit throughout the place during his career.
Last season, his second and final in Portland, scored on average only 14.4 points despite several seasons of about 17-18 per game. In shape, situation, role and efforts have played all great factors as he feels comfortable with the ball in his hand and how much he is dedicated.
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As for his defense, Ayton made a remarkable turning point during his beginner season, starting the year as one of the worst internal defenders of the League and ended as one of the best.
Since then it has maintained a solid defensive presence, although it is not yet as strong as it could be. The 7-foot center is athletic, has a 7-5 wing opening and should be able to block at least two shots even on a bad night, just to send a message.
Instead, he chooses to give priority to the defensive positioning (which is not a bad thing) in the biggest game, with an average of a block by game during his career.
While it should be praised for this, there is a psychological effect in sending pitches – a reminder of the opponents of the danger of entering the paint.
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Perhaps with the Lakers, where he will be coupled with the two best players he has ever played with, he could end up adjusting his game a little.
But it is on him to adapt.
So, are the legitimate contenders of the Lakers now?
Although there is no simple answer to this question, it is difficult to close the door on this possibility.
After all, the Lakers now have an elite guard, an elite wing and a production center, with a high score guard in the mix.
Dončić’s quartet, James, Ayton and Austin Reaves certainly offer Lakers a healthy base to build something, even if they have lost Dorian Finney-Smith in the free agency.
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If the organization is able to turn the contracts of Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent (both expires to a total of $ 22.5 million) in something productive, like a combined attacker who can play both the three and the four like James, then he begins to seem extremely encouraging.
Of course, that roster must be completely purchased in the season in advance so that the aspirations of the title are feasible.
Dončić will have to scream less to the referees. James will, once again, challenge the time of father. Ayton will have to keep his engine from October to June and not close it only once during a long season.
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This is the basic line and those are all not negotiable if the Lakers have any hope of performing a title.
We will see what the rest of the offseason offers and if the Lakers can potentially improve their probability in pursuing a championship.