The Los Angeles Lakers took a major step by signing Deandre Ayton as their new center, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $16.6 million that includes a player option for the second season. Despite the arrival of Ayton, league insiders believe the Lakers are not finished building their roster, as they look to strengthen their defense and add depth, underscoring the urgency behind the Deandre Ayton Lakers center signing.
Lakers Seek Support Behind Their New Center Addition
After securing Ayton, analysts and team sources point out that the Lakers are actively exploring options to bring in another center. Although Ayton increases their presence in the paint and improves offensive firepower, experts highlight that his signing does not fully address the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. Ryan McDonough, an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA analyst weighing in on the Lakers’ current trajectory after Ayton’s contract, emphasized that gaps remain within the team’s rotation, particularly when it comes to defending tough opponents throughout the season.
“I like how this team looks offensively. I just worry about who they’re gonna guard, ton of offensive talent, they still have a lot of holes, especially in the perimeter.”
—Ryan McDonough, NBA Analyst
This concern becomes more pressing as the team prepares for playoff-caliber opponents who can exploit defensive mismatches. With free agents Jackson Hayes and Alex Len reportedly out of the mix, Los Angeles is expected to use either their bi-annual exception, valued at around $5 million, or a league minimum contract to make a strategic addition. The importance of adding another big man was underscored by McDonough:
“I also think they need to add another center… So keep an eye on them to add another big, either using the bi-annual exception or minimum contract.”
—Ryan McDonough, NBA Analyst
Limited Options as Free Agency Pool Narrows
With most leading big men having already signed with other franchises this off-season, possible targets for the Lakers are narrowing. Al Horford’s name has surfaced as a practical candidate should Lakers officials opt for experience over youth. However, speculative reports have also tossed out names like Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, and Kevon Looney, though each is currently committed elsewhere, cutting down potential pathways for roster improvement. This challenge highlights the precariousness of the Lakers’ cap situation. Having already reached near the first apron after using their mid-level exception on Ayton and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers have limited flexibility left, further emphasizing the high stakes surrounding their next move.
Nevertheless, adding further depth at the center does more than strengthen rotations. It reduces the risk of heavy minutes leading to wear for Ayton, while keeping the roster ready for the physical demands of the postseason. This is a factor that could safeguarding the team’s athleticism and on-court performance as games gain in intensity.
Anthony Davis and Team Leaders Push for Defense
The urgency to address the center spot is not new for Los Angeles. Key figures, including Anthony Davis, have expressed the necessity of acquiring another true big. Davis said earlier in the year:
“I think we need another big,”
—Anthony Davis, Lakers Forward/Center
This perspective is echoed by other analysts and former players, who have noted that the team’s success—and Davis’ long-term excellence—is linked to his ability to play alongside strong interior defenders rather than carrying the defensive burden himself.
What This Means for the Lakers’ Title Aims
Adding Deandre Ayton represents only the first step in the Lakers’ overhaul to remain competitive in the NBA’s dynamic Western Conference. Despite a revamped offense, the organization still faces pressure to patch defensive lapses and provide Ayton with reliable support. As speculation continues and possible targets are examined, the front office’s next choices are set to play a pivotal role in determining whether the Lakers can maximize this window of championship opportunity or fall short against rivals with greater depth. All eyes now turn to Los Angeles as they pursue the final piece of their frontcourt puzzle before the new season tips off.