"We sit here seven-and-a-half months later, and I still can't believe Nico Harrison gift-wrapped Luka Doncic to the Lakers like a teenager getting the newest video game system on Christmas Day. As a result, Lakers general manager Pelinka spent the summer prioritizing the Lakers' short- and long-term future around Doncic. The Lakers' superstar reportedly recruited both Ayton and Smart to the organization after both were bought out by the Trail Blazers and Wizards, respectively."
"No team in the NBA needed a starting-caliber big more than the Lakers - making Ayton a premier target. I still have concerns about his fit - particularly defensively - though he should pair well with Doncic in the pick-and-roll. Smart, on the other hand, has been oft-injured each of the last two seasons and isn't getting any younger. I don't think he's been the same athletically since departing Boston."
"For our second annual offseason outlook series, Hot Hot Hoops senior writer Matt Hanifan will provide his take on the offseasons of all 30 teams for the next 30 days! We have already completed the Eastern Conference, so we will proceed in alphabetical order with the West before capping it all off with the Miami Heat. Today, we will be evaluating the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason."
The Lakers added Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton while losing Dorian Finney-Smith, Alex Len, Markieff Morris, Shake Milton, Jordan Goodwin and Trey Jemison. Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko were re-signed and the team selected Adou Thiero at No. 36. General manager Pelinka prioritized short- and long-term construction around Doncic, with the superstar reportedly recruiting Ayton and Smart after both were bought out. Ayton addresses the need for a starting-caliber big and should complement Doncic in pick-and-rolls, though defensive fit is a concern. Smart adds toughness but carries injury and declining athleticism worries. Thiero represents notable value despite summer inactivity.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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