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.

On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers addressed their biggest offseason need by signing a rim-protecting, athletic center — and they got exactly that in former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton. Ayton agreed to a two-year,

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.