Lakers Drop Suns Commerce Talks After Signing Deandre Ayton

The Los Angeles Lakers spent many of the offseason searching for a brand new heart and located their reply when DeAndre Ayton grew to become out there. When the Portland Trail Blazers waived Ayton, the Lakers instantly signed the previous No. 1 general decide, ceasing their seek for different huge males.

Earlier in the summertime, LA pursued commerce eventualities with the Phoenix Suns, particularly heart Nic Richards, after Phoenix introduced in a number of frontcourt acquisitions. But with the Lakers now buying Ayton and bringing again Jaxson Hayes as their backup heart, these negotiations at the moment are within the books.

Lakers Now Set Sights on Versatile Wing Assistance

There aren’t any present commerce talks between the Lakers and Suns, shutting down any attainable transaction between the 2 Western Conference foes, stories Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

With the middle spot set, the Lakers have set their sights on one other want: wing depth. Though they made the clever defensive signing in Marcus Smart, their roster nonetheless doesn’t possess a ahead who can guard positions one by way of 4 and area the ground.

The Lakers’ entrance workplace now seems centered on including a switchable ahead, both earlier than the beginning of the common season or forward of the commerce deadline. Their aim is to discover a two-way participant who can complement their present core of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and DeAndre Ayton.

Yet, it is unknown if Los Angeles is ready to sacrifice the items wanted to herald that kind of participant. The workforce’s determination makers seem decided to evaluate the roster because it stands by way of coaching camp and early-season play earlier than taking additional motion.

Lakers Need to Prioritize Defense If They Want to Win

Even after ending because the No. 3 seed within the Western Conference, the Lakers have been eradicated early within the 2025 playoffs following a disappointing first-round defeat.

While the workforce has an elite scoring offense, their protection has been the evident weak point, and that is the place a flexible wing defender would make the best affect, Sports Illustrated wrote.

The Oklahoma City Thunder now seem like the workforce to beat within the West, extending the hole on the high. If the Lakers are to catch up, they’re going to must tighten up their protection and get the correct mix of offense and toughness.

Final Piece Still Missing?

Ayton would be the beginning heart, and Hayes would be the main backup. The entrance workplace is monitoring the commerce marketplace for the right-wing participant who will full the rotation.

Whether or not that transaction happens within the subsequent few weeks or close to the NBA commerce deadline, the Lakers seem dedicated to giving LeBron and Dončić all attainable alternatives to vie for a title in what could also be one of many final championship home windows for his or her classic famous person.

The Lakers are anticipated to enhance their roster, however any trades with the Suns will not progress anymore.