The Los Angeles Lakers have been active in the NBA offseason, making significant moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season. A top priority for the team was securing a starting-caliber center, a need that has been addressed with the official signing of Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal. Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized Ayton's importance, stating, “Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core.” Pelinka highlighted Ayton’s size, mobility, and athleticism as key assets for both paint scoring and protection. His playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team further aligns with the Lakers' championship aspirations.

Ayton, 26, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals in 2020-21. He later played for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season before his contract was bought out, allowing him to enter free agency. Despite concerns regarding his motor and past locker room issues, the Lakers believe head coach JJ Redick and his staff, including former Trail Blazers assistant Scott Brooks, can help Ayton reach his full potential. The team is confident that Ayton’s talent outweighs these concerns, particularly his ability to perform crucial tasks like catching lobs and protecting the paint, making him a clear upgrade at the center position.

Ayton chose the Lakers over other interested teams such as the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. His decision was largely influenced by the opportunity to play alongside Luka Doncic, whom Ayton considers the NBA's best playmaker. Having previously thrived with guards like Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio in Phoenix, Ayton hopes to recreate that playmaking chemistry with Doncic. He also has additional motivation to perform well, with a player option for the second year of his contract allowing him to re-enter free agency in 2026 for a potential significant payday.

In addition to Ayton, the Lakers also prioritized strengthening their forward depth, securing Jake LaRavia on a two-year, approximately $12 million deal. This signing aligns with the team’s commitment to building around new head coach JJ Redick’s system. Rob Pelinka praised LaRavia’s versatility as both a defensive disruptor and an offensive threat, citing his basketball intelligence and adaptability as crucial for the Lakers’ evolving strategy. LaRavia, who will wear jersey number 12, previously worn by Max Christie before his trade to the Dallas Mavericks, brings NBA experience from his time with the Sacramento Kings and three seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Drafted 19th overall in 2022, LaRavia averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season. His two-way capabilities and high basketball IQ are seen as a seamless fit for Redick’s coaching philosophy and the franchise’s long-term vision. The Lakers, with key players like LeBron James and the recently acquired Luka Doncic, aim to compete at the top of the Western Conference and challenge the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.