Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[omahen]

Can he do the non sexy stuff well and do it every night?

If he could, Lakers could be contenders, if they can improve their perimeter defense. I don't expect Lakers to be contenders in any scenario this season. I think it is more important they solved the short term center need without giving up assets - Ayton as he is is still far better than Hayes. I think this is better than paying most of their few assets for any of the most often mentioned centers (Claxton, Kessler,...), who all have warts on their own. I wander if they will now just spend the BaE and call it a day or will they go aggresively for some more reinforcemenets in trades spending the remaining assets.