The Lakers added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and brought back key players this summer, but is that enough improvement from last season?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It’s been a busy summer for the Lakers’ front office.
So far, the new additions have included signing Jake LaRavia and DeAndre Ayton and drafting Adou Thiero.
Los Angeles also re-signed Jaxson Hayes and LeBron James did pick up his player option. The biggest loss is Dorian Finney-Smith, who left in free agency and will play for the Rockets.
With the Lakers making some upgrades and keeping all but one rotation player, for this week’s SB Nation Reacts poll, we are asking if Lakers fans are pleased with the offseason L.A. has had so far and if Ayton is enough of an upgrade at the center position.
If you’re happy with the moves the Lakers have made, it’s likely because you see a 50-win team that has gotten better.
Ayton is an improvement at the five, head coach JJ Redick has Luka Dončić for a full season and if you lost DFS but gained LaRavia, that adds up to the Lakers improving.
If you are on the other side of the equation, then you don’t see this as being enough.
Perhaps Hayes’ return frustrates you, and the Lakers’ inability to trade the players they do have for something better means you do not think they’ve done enough to truly contend in the Western Conference.
The thing we can likely all agree on is that Ayton joining the Lakers is a frontcourt improvement, but is it enough?
Yes, he has solid numbers, averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last year, but he was available for a reason. Ayton has talent, but is known for not maximizing it.
While having Ayton is better than nothing, does he truly solve L.A.’s center problems? Or do they still need more depth at that position before they move on to other needs they have?
Both answers to this Ayton question have compelling arguments and we want to hear what you think!
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.