The Los Angeles Lakers are making headlines again—and no, not just because of King James or the hype around Luka Doncic's pairing with him. This offseason has been a mixed bag for the purple and gold. While there’s been some progress, the Lakers haven’t exactly blown anyone away with jaw-dropping moves. Let’s be honest, this roster still needs a little TLC before fans can confidently chant “championship or bust.”
Let’s break it down.
✅ Key Additions: Ayton and LaRavia Bring Hope
The Lakers didn’t come into this offseason sleeping. One of the splashier moves came with the signing of Deandre Ayton, a starting-caliber center with All-Star potential. This was a big win—literally and figuratively. L.A. needed some major muscle in the paint, and Ayton fits that bill.
He may not be perfect—critics have knocked him for inconsistency—but he's still just 26 and brings a level of athleticism and rim protection the Lakers have lacked in recent years. Pairing him with LeBron’s playmaking and Luka’s offensive wizardry might just unlock Ayton’s best version yet.
Then there’s Jake LaRavia, a 23-year-old forward with untapped upside. He might not be a game-changer out of the gate, but the Lakers are betting on his development curve. With proper guidance and minutes, he could become a versatile contributor in the rotation. Not flashy, but definitely a solid under-the-radar pickup.
❌ But Then, There Are the Losses…
Every move forward sometimes comes with a step back. The Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith, one of their better 3-and-D guys, to the Houston Rockets. That stung a little, especially considering how valuable wings who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions are in today’s NBA.
Letting him walk leaves a gap that hasn’t quite been filled yet—and that’s a big reason why this offseason feels more "decent" than "dominant."
🏀 Playoff Locks, But Not Title Favorites…Yet
Here’s where things get tricky. The Lakers, as currently constructed, are still a top-tier playoff team. There’s no denying that a core of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves is dangerous. But are they real championship contenders? That’s where skepticism starts creeping in.
Yes, Luka's offensive genius and LeBron’s leadership are invaluable. Austin Reaves has been a pleasant surprise, developing into a reliable and often underrated piece of the puzzle. But the roster beyond those three still has noticeable gaps. The depth isn't where it needs to be, and the bench scoring leaves a lot to be desired.
📣 Byron Scott Sounds Off
Former Laker and Showtime-era sharpshooter Byron Scott made an appearance at the ESPYs and didn’t hold back when talking about the state of the Lakers. His loyalty to the team was clear, but so was his concern.
"They still got some work to do,” Scott told Sports Illustrated. “Obviously, I bleed purple and gold, so I want the best for this organization and the franchise.”
Scott continued by pointing out the obvious—LeBron and Luka need more help, especially if the goal is to hoist another banner in Crypto.com Arena.
“Austin’s been great, every year he gets better,” Scott added. “But we still need a little bit more length, size, athleticism, and some more scoring off that bench.”
In short, Scott is saying what a lot of Lakers fans are already thinking: the stars are in place, but the supporting cast needs work.
🔒 Defense: Still the Missing Link?
The Lakers were 11th in offensive rating last season—not bad at all. They have the firepower to put up big numbers on any night. The real issue? Their defense, which ranked a mediocre 17th.
To make a serious push for the Finals, they’ll need to crack the top 10 defensively—maybe even top 5. Defense wins championships, after all.
That’s why the front office has reportedly set their sights on Gary Payton II. Known for his elite on-ball defense and energy, Payton could be just what the Lakers need to fortify their perimeter D. The guy flies around the court and guards like his life depends on it.
Adding Payton to the mix would be a smart, strategic move that helps plug the team’s biggest leak. That kind of defensive versatility off the bench could be a game-changer, especially during high-stakes playoff series where every possession matters.
🔍 Remaining Questions for the Roster
Even with Ayton, LaRavia, and a potential Gary Payton II acquisition, the Lakers still have several question marks:
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Where is the wing depth? Losing Finney-Smith creates a void in both defense and three-point shooting.
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Can Ayton elevate his game? The former No. 1 pick has the tools, but can he become a consistent two-way force?
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Is the bench reliable? There’s a need for more scoring and playmaking when LeBron and Luka sit.
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Can they stay healthy? With aging stars and injury-prone talent, durability will be a key X-factor.
🔮 So What’s Next?
The front office can’t afford to rest just yet. The Western Conference is a battlefield. Teams like the Nuggets, Suns, and Mavericks have all reloaded and retooled. If the Lakers want to keep pace—or better yet, take the lead—they’ll need to tighten the screws.
There are still free agents out there who can help, and trades could shake things up too. One or two smart moves—like snagging another 3-and-D wing or a microwave bench scorer—could be enough to flip the script.
🎯 Final Thoughts
This offseason hasn’t been a disaster by any means. Ayton brings a much-needed presence in the middle. LaRavia might develop into something valuable. And if they land Gary Payton II, that’s a defensive boost that could push the needle.
But “decent” doesn’t cut it when your franchise is chasing titles—and has two generational stars on the roster. Time is ticking, especially with LeBron nearing the end of his career.
So here’s the reality: The Lakers are on the edge of something great, but they’re not quite there yet. There’s still work to be done, but the foundation is promising. If Rob Pelinka and the front office can make a couple more smart plays, L.A. could be right back in the championship conversation where they belong.
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