As things stand, the Lakers appear set to enter the 2025-26 season with a center rotation that is awkward, at best. Ayton is probably the starter, with Jaxson Hayes behind him. Neither offers much defensively, and with the way the Lakers are built, that’s a major hindrance.

Now that the Lakers have signed Ayton, and re-signed Jaxson Hayes as the backup, an NBA insider has given an update on where things stand on a possible trade between the two teams. More news: LeBron James Reportedly Wanted to Join Mavericks, Team Up With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis

It's been a fruitful offseason thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers, who saw LeBron James opt in for the 2025-26 season and who addressed major needs by signing center DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart.