The LA Lakers have made quite a lot of noise within the offseason with their current strikes in free company.
LeBron James’ resolution to decide in to the ultimate 12 months of his LA Lakers contract was what has grabbed essentially the most headlines.
Other than this, the Lakers additionally acquired two proficient gamers, Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton.
Whereas each LaRavia and Ayton have expressed their plans for subsequent season, NBA specialists have analyzed what they’ll contribute to the Lakers.
Ayton’s addition was criticized by Kendrick Perkins, however one other NBA knowledgeable has spoken extremely of his skills and previous performances.
Ayton spent two years as a part of the Portland Path Blazers earlier than shifting to the Lakers in free company this offseason.
He averaged 16.7 factors and 11.1 RPG in his first season, however that dipped to 14.4 PPG and 10.2 RPG in his second 12 months.
The 26-year-old didn’t wish to be in Portland, as there have been stories of him lacking practices and being late to flights as effectively.
Nevertheless, McIntyre acknowledged regardless of all his antics, Ayton delivered good numbers, which ought to create quite a lot of pleasure amongst Lakers followers.
He stated: “Ayton’s a malcontent, he would come out of video games and slam chairs down, he could be late to rehabs.
“That is how a lot Deandre Ayton hated it in Portland, he forfeited $10 million to get out of city.
“Let’s simply say Deandre Ayton by way of his first seven seasons is form of sorta high eight facilities within the league? Take a look at these stats proper right here, 15 and 10 and 50% taking pictures within the final seven seasons.
“Jokic is an MVP, Giannis is an MVP, AD’s All-NBA, Joel Embiid has an MVP, these are all nice gamers. Deandre Ayton is in that class with them. He simply clearly was in Portland so nobody paid consideration.”
Ayton loved the very best 12 months of his profession when Chris Paul was his teammate in Phoenix.
Within the two years he performed with CP3, Ayton averaged 14.4 PPG and 17.2 PPG respectively.
He was a lob risk and made life troublesome for opposing defenders along with his offensive brilliance.
When he joins the Lakers, Ayton will play alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who’re arguably two of the best passers within the NBA.
James and Doncic each excel alongside gamers who can catch lobs, which is one thing Ayton has confirmed previously.
| Season | Factors | Rebounds | Area aim % |
| 2024-25 | 14.4 | 10.2 | 56.6% |
| 2023-24 | 16.7 | 11.1 | 57% |
| 2022-23 | 18 | 10 | 58.8% |
| 2021-22 | 17.2 | 10.2 | 63.4% |
He has already expressed pleasure about teaming up with Doncic in his introductory press convention.
The Lakers additionally struggled on the boards final season and Ayton is somebody who has averaged over 10 rebounds for his profession.
He’ll assist enhance their offense within the paint, and in addition be a menace on the boards.
The Lakers nonetheless want so as to add extra protection on the middle place, as Jaxson Hayes and Ayton are each not dependable on that finish of the ground.
Regardless of his defensive shortcomings, Ayton is a good signing for the Lakers as he can dominate offensively and constantly contribute with a double-double, one thing the staff has lacked for the reason that departure of Anthony Davis.
