Grading Lakers’ Free Agency: 3 Exceptional Additions So Far

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 offseason with immense pressure to make significant moves. After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the front office was under the microscope. 

With LeBron James opting into his player option and Luka Doncic fully onboard after a blockbuster trade midseason, the Lakers needed to act fast and smart. The expectations were enormous: build a title-contending roster around two generational talents before time runs out on both.

Early in the offseason, the situation looked grim. The Lakers missed out on several top targets in free agency and saw Dorian Finney-Smith walk to the Houston Rockets. Panic began to set in among fans, especially when rival teams made splashy moves. 

But slowly, the Lakers stitched together a surprisingly solid and cost-effective offseason, headlined by three key additions: Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart.

Here’s how each addition grades out so far:

Jake LaRavia: B+

Jake LaRavia is not a household name yet, but his acquisition might prove to be one of the more underrated moves of the summer. The Lakers signed the 22-year-old forward to a two-year, $12 million deal after he had a quietly efficient 2024–25 season split between the Kings and Grizzlies. 

LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field and an elite 42.3% from three-point range.

LaRavia essentially replaces Dorian Finney-Smith in the rotation, but at a far cheaper price. DFS signed a deal worth over $13 million annually, while LaRavia comes in at just $6 million per year, despite being nine years younger and, arguably, a better offensive player. 

While Finney-Smith’s defensive presence will be missed, especially in closing lineups, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic believes the Lakers may have actually upgraded overall. Vecenie notes that LaRavia is far more versatile offensively and fits better next to ball-dominant players like Luka and LeBron.

The biggest concern is whether LaRavia can hold up defensively against elite wings. He’s not a liability, but he’s also not a stopper like DFS. Still, when you factor in his age, cost, and floor-spacing potential, this is a smart move with upside, especially on a team built around playmakers.

Deandre Ayton: A

The Lakers desperately needed a center, and they got one, a good one, without breaking the bank. After striking out on Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, Los Angeles pivoted to Deandre Ayton, who agreed to a two-year, $16.2 million deal after finalizing a buyout with Portland. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a former No. 1 overall pick who still has something to prove.

Ayton’s last two seasons have been underwhelming by his standards, marred by inconsistency and questions about motor and engagement. But he’s still just 27 and has averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds for his career. He provides size, rebounding, and interior scoring, three things the Lakers sorely lacked against the Timberwolves.

More importantly, Ayton and Luka Doncic share the same agent and have wanted to play together. 

Luka reportedly pushed for a rim-running big man who can finish around the basket and hold his own defensively, and Ayton checks those boxes. With LeBron and Luka drawing so much attention, Ayton should thrive as a roll man and cleanup artist.

This is an excellent value deal for a player who may be extra motivated to earn a bigger contract in 2026. If Ayton returns to form, this could be one of the steals of the offseason.

Marcus Smart: B

Marcus Smart’s arrival in Los Angeles flew under the radar, but it could end up being pivotal. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract after finalizing a buyout with the Washington Wizards. At just $5.5 million annually, the Lakers get a veteran leader and one of the best perimeter defenders in the game.

Smart averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season for the Wizards and Grizzlies, while shooting 39.3% from the field and 34.8% from deep. While not an offensive threat, Smart’s defensive intensity, switchability, and toughness offer traits the Lakers lacked on the perimeter.

He also brings a winning mentality and championship experience, having played a major role in Boston’s Finals run a few years ago. Perhaps most importantly, Luka Doncic reportedly recruited Smart to the Lakers, understanding the value of having someone who can take on tough guard assignments and allow him to focus more on offense.

Smart may not be a starter, but in a playoff series, he could be the kind of piece who swings momentum with hustle plays and clutch stops.

While the Lakers didn’t land a superstar in free agency, they quietly added three key contributors who could thrive alongside Luka and LeBron. Ayton fills a major hole at center. LaRavia gives them shooting and youth. Smart adds grit, defense, and leadership. Considering their limited flexibility, it’s been a sharp and measured offseason.

Overall Free Agency Grade: B. 

And if Ayton hits his ceiling? It might just creep into A territory.