Lakers' Rob Pelinka Says Ayton Is 'Amazing Solution,' LaRavia Has 'Significant' Upside
The Los Angeles Lakers have made two new additions so far this offseason, and Rob Pelinka is excited about both.
Pelinka called center Deandre Ayton "an amazing solution" to some of the Lakers' issues.
“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 said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Pelinka also praised Ayton's versatility and experience.
“Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection," he said. "Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”
As for Jake LaRavia, Pelinka is confident he will develop well with the Lakers.
“Being just 23 years old, we think Jake has significant basketball upside, which will be honed nicely in our Lakers basketball development program," he said.
The Lakers signed Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal following his contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. While Ayton hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that came with being the top pick in the 2018 draft, he could be exactly what Los Angeles needs.
Ayton, 26, put up 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season. At his best, he's capable of being a steady presence in the paint and a solid defender. Considering the Lakers' lack of depth in the frontcourt was one of their biggest issues a season ago, Ayton fills a major void for them.
LaRavia signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Lakers after spending the 2024-25 season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. He put up 6.9 points per game while playing around 20 minutes per contest last season.
LaRavia likely won't play a huge role with Los Angeles this season, but he should at least provide a spark off the bench. He's also a spot-up shooter who hit 42.3 percent of his shots from deep a year ago.
Even if he isn't one of the first players off the bench, LaRavia could eventually turn into a mainstay of the rotation if he develops the way Pelinka thinks he can.
While neither Ayton nor LaRavia was exactly a blockbuster signing, the Lakers are hoping they can help the team compete for a championship this season.
