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

[SleepingHero]

It was reported that he got a 2-year offer from Lakers, but declined it. Could be he was feeling lowballed

They also didn't lose him for nothing. They essentially "traded" him for Ayton and LaRavia. Staying under 1st apron also enables them to do a SnT. If they kept DFS, those moves would not be possible without paying assets to dump some of their expirings.

I actually like LA offseason so far. They plugged the biggest hole on the roster without giving up any asset. They are conservative with their assets, saving them to only be used for the right opportunity. They still severly lack wing defenders and athleticism. Rumors about Melton (up to BAE) and Brogdon (SnT). Assuming no home run deal is available, I wouldn't be opposed against something like Vincent+Knecht for Brogdon SnT. Saving more than enough money to open the full BAE in the process (I didn't check Washington salaries, but I assume they have sokme wiggle room to enable savings for Lakers), which would enable them to sign another decent FA (Melton?).

They did trade 3 2nds for DFS, which in the grand scheme of things isn't a lot, but the Lakers are asset poor and everything counts. In the aggregate they basically "traded" DLo+3 2nds for LaRavia+Ayton.

I think that is fair in the aggregate. It really hinges on Ayton. If he can be THE starting center the Lakers sorely need, then yes, this deal and offseason was great. Especially if he can reawaken some of the magic he had on PHX during their finals run. I have full confidence that Luka will put him in those positions to succeed, but it's up to Ayton to take it.

This offseason could also be slightly catastrophic. If it doesn't go well with Ayton then the Lakers are still stuck at step one before losing DFS. If Ayton continues his low effort and aversion to rim rolling, but still constantly will call for post ups and mid-range shots, I can't see how that fits well next to Luka. It'd be eerily similar to Christian Wood or Porzingis. Luka WILL be good enough to cover this awkward fit, but it won't be ideal.