Los Angeles Lakers make powerful Deandre Ayton signing as Rob Pelinka races to secure LeBron James future

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the move this offseason. They’ve added a big man to boost their title chase. General Manager Rob Pelinka described this signing as a key step to shake up the team’s direction.

With LeBron James’s future still in question, the Lakers hope a new strategy could not only please their star but also bring them closer to another championship.

Deandre Ayton signing shows Los Angeles Lakers’ clear push for finals success

On July 8, the Los Angeles Lakers officially signed Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, to strengthen their center position. At 6’11”, Ayton brings size, athleticism, and playoff experience. He helped the Phoenix Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals and now joins LeBron James under a contract supported by Pelinka.

Pelinka said, “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.” His words show how much the team wants to build a title-ready roster around James and their new face, Luka Doncic.

Rob Pelinka adds depth, experience, and flexibility to support LeBron James

Deandre Ayton fills a gap by protecting the rim and scoring in the paint. He excels in pick-and-roll plays, a role he perfected alongside Chris Paul in Phoenix.

The Lakers believe Ayton’s strength around the basket balances LeBron’s playmaking.The front office also added Jaxson Hayes, known for a high shooting percentage and energy off the bench. Hayes’s 72% shooting last season gives useful depth to the center rotation. Plus, the team is eyeing a veteran such as Al Horford to further solidify their interior defense.Also Read: NBA blow as Tyrese Haliburton ruled out and Myles Turner exits spark Indiana Pacers collapseWhile LeBron James, now 40 in the coming season, evaluates his future, Lakers leaders hope a strong center rotation convinces him to stay. If Ayton hits his ceiling beside James and Doncic, the Lakers may soon form one of the most competitive lineups in the NBA.