How Deandre Ayton Affects Luka, LeBron And The Lakers Offseason

The Lakers value pedigree, especially when it involves lottery picks. Ayton, the former No. 1 pick ahead of teammate Luka Dončić (third), brings big-game experience. He helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals four years ago.

Los Angeles had looked at Clint Capela, Luke Kornet, and Brook Lopez. All signed with their West Coast rivals instead. Capela, productive and athletic, would have fit perfectly. But Ayton might have the highest upside of the bunch.

The Lakers trust their culture to get the best out of undervalued talent. They turned Malik Monk into a $77 million player for Sacramento. Rui Hachimura, another former lottery pick, became a starter for the Lakers in the Western conference finals. The front office hopes Ayton can follow that path.

The Lakers’ Big Swing

Los Angeles aims to land talent below market value, then unlock it. But Ayton brings baggage too. The Athletic’s Jason Quick reported that Portland let him walk because he skipped rehab sessions, arrived late to flights, and resisted substitutions for poor play.

The Lakers believe they can fix that. Unlike Portland, they compete for championships. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Ayton wanted a winning team when he pushed for the buyout. He’s played deep into June before. When the Suns reached the Finals, they won his minutes by nine and lost by 23 when he sat.

Luka Connection Greases The Wheels

The most intriguing subplot: Dončić and Ayton share an agent, Bill Duffy. That tie likely gave the Lakers insight into Ayton’s mindset. Luka will also be the best lob passer Ayton has played with — yes, better than Chris Paul. If Ayton buys in, the Luka-Ayton duo could thrive.

At 27, Ayton matches Dončić’s timeline. He also fits alongside Austin Reaves, who is also 27. If this gamble pays off, Ayton could stick as part of the long-term core. The Lakers will have cap space next summer. They could spend big if LeBron James leaves.

Uncertainty Swirls Around LeBron

LeBron’s status adds another wrinkle. On First Take, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Lakers and LeBron “did not have substantive discussions” before he opted in. That’s unusual for a LeBron team. Windhorst said, “What happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They’re viewed as trade pieces.”

The Cavaliers were rumored to have interest but shut that down. The Knicks’ name floated too, but they also said no. The Lakers could find themselves in the middle of more drama if they don’t reach a solution soon.

Building The Rest Of The Roster

The Lakers plugged the mid-level hole left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure with Jake LaRavia and Ayton. They still need a point-of-attack defender. De’Anthony Melton has surfaced as a target. He could sign a minimum deal while rehabbing a partially torn ACL. He should return for opening night.

Melton was huge for the Warriors last season before injury derailed him. He shot 37.8% from deep and made the Warriors 9.4 points better when on the floor. He sat in the 97th percentile league-wide.

The Lakers also still hold assets they lined up for the failed Mark Williams trade. They could pivot those to the Pelicans to chase elite wing defender Herb Jones.

One Big Question

Ayton makes the Lakers better, on paper. They now have a starting center with All-Star upside. But they must get out of their own way to turn talent into wins.

If they add Melton and land a wing like Jones, the Lakers could challenge the West’s best. Ayton, Luka, LeBron — if they align their timelines — might just be enough to keep the Lakeshow alive.