Lakers Add Ayton, Build Around Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their roster by signing center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract, bringing added size and rebounding to the team despite some concerns about his consistency and chemistry. Ayton joins a Lakers squad now centered around Luka Doncic, who arrived in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis and is expected to sign a long-term extension. Doncic has delivered strong performances and emerged as a leader as the Lakers transition into a new era. The team's front office is also preserving cap space for the 2027 free agent class, with an eye toward potentially pairing Doncic with another superstar such as Nikola Jokic. While LeBron James has exercised his player option for next season, his long-term future in Los Angeles is uncertain. Recent ownership changes and strategic roster planning underscore the Lakers' commitment to sustained competitiveness and title contention.