The Lakers entered the offseason searching for frontcourt help, as interior scoring was an issue that particularly affected them following their acquisition of Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 2. Anthony Davis was sent to Dallas as part of the deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers adding what many believe to be the key piece their 2024 roster was missing to make an NBA Finals run when they signed 7-foot center DeAndre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal on Wednesday.

Conversely, while James' future in L.A. still remains up in the air, it's expected that Doncic will re-sign with the team, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2, or he can sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a 2028 player option.