The LA Lakers have reason to be optimistic heading into next season, after an intriguing offseason.
This offseason the LA Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, but aside from this, the team actually strengthened in free agency.
LeBron James opted into his contract, while Luka Doncic signed an extension, with complementary additions made to strengthen the roster.
Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart all signed with the Lakers in free agency, and one of these acquisitions has been labelled the best signing of the offseason.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty ImagesDeandre Ayton to LA Lakers deal praised
Former number one overall pick Deandre Ayton signed with the LA Lakers after his Portland Trail Blazers contract was bought out.
The move gives Ayton a big-pressure, high-profile spot to rejuvenate his career, while giving the Lakers the center they desperately needed.
Speaking to Byron Scott’s Fast Break, former NBA player Olden Polynice says he believes Ayton to the Lakers is the most impactful move of the coming season, even more so than Kevin Durant’s move to the Houston Rockets.
Polynice explained, when asked to choose his ‘biggest impact move’: “Ayton to the Lakers. Why? Because they need that. They needed an anchor.
“He’s gonna make up for a lot of defenses of LeBron and Luka. He can definitely cover ground. And now you bring Jaxson Hayes off the bench where he belongs. He’s a bench guy. He’s not a starter, bring your energy off the bench. But I think Ayton’s definitely it.
“I mean, KD’s too obvious. That’s why I’m not even gonna talk about that KD, wherever KD is, you got a chance.
“I like Houston’s abilities by adding Kevin Durant, but to me, the number one trade, in my personal opinion, is Deandre Ayton.”
Byron Scott gives credit to Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant move
Former LA Lakers player and coach Byron Scott says he cannot look past Kevin Durant as the biggest move of the offseason.
Scott explained that Durant could have a major impact as a veteran on a young, talented team, but asked whether he will be able to stay healthy.
He said: “I think when you talk about a young team like Houston, when you bring in a vet like Kevin Durant that can flat out score, get it done, plays on both ends, he’s not one of those guys, [who is] a terrible defender.
“He always tries, but he can elevate a team, especially with his scoring. He’s got the experience with this team of winning. They’re that close to being able to break that barrier and get to an NBA championship type game or series. So I like Kevin Durant.
“Now the biggest question with KD is, can he stay healthy? If he can stay healthy for this Rockets team, then this Rockets team could be very, very dangerous this year.”