“STACKED AND ONE PIECE AWAY: Lakers’ July 2025 Roster Reload Adds Ayton, LaRavia, and Hayes—Just a Rim Protector and Perimeter Stopper from Title Contention”
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it crystal clear that they are not content with mediocrity or playoff exits. In the heat of July 2025, the Lakers front office has orchestrated a bold and calculated roster reconstruction, headlined by the acquisition of dominant center DeAndre Ayton, versatile forward Jake LaRavia, and the re-signing of athletic big man Jaxson Hayes. These moves, coupled with key returning players and a surprising new lead guard, have formed one of the most balanced and dangerous rosters in the NBA. Yet, despite the impressive depth and talent on the current roster, there’s a lingering sense that they are one final defensive piece away—a true perimeter lockdown defender or an elite shot-blocking center—from becoming the undisputed title favorites next season.
At the heart of this sudden surge in championship momentum is the arrival of DeAndre Ayton, the 7-foot Bahamian center who brings a formidable interior presence on both ends of the court. Long viewed as a talented big who could dominate when motivated and well-utilized, Ayton now finds himself in a Lakers system that desperately needed his size, rebounding, and low-post scoring. He immediately slides in as the starting center and represents a significant upgrade in talent and upside over last season’s platoon of bigs. Ayton’s ability to score efficiently around the rim, protect the paint, and battle with elite centers in the Western Conference gives the Lakers a powerful new engine in the middle of their lineup. His presence alone changes the defensive ceiling of this team and gives LeBron James and Luka Dončić more flexibility to operate without constantly being pulled into paint protection duties.
Speaking of Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ offseason really swung toward championship talk the moment the 6’6 Slovenian sensation became their new point guard. Known for his transcendent offensive skills, elite playmaking, and ability to control tempo, Dončić’s addition turns the Lakers’ offense into a potential juggernaut. Surrounding him with size, shooting, and athleticism has always been the blueprint for success, and the Lakers have quietly assembled a roster that fits him better than any in recent memory. With Dončić orchestrating the offense, and Ayton anchoring the defense and paint scoring, the Lakers may have one of the most dangerous inside-out duos in the league.
Complementing Dončić in the backcourt is Austin Reaves, whose continued development into a reliable secondary scorer, shooter, and clutch performer makes him an ideal fit alongside the star point guard. Reaves can create for himself, space the floor, and defend multiple positions. Behind him, the Lakers boast a mix of youth and experience with Dalton Knecht, the sharpshooting rookie; Shake Milton, a capable combo guard; and Jordan Goodwin, a scrappy perimeter defender who could carve out a role as a hustle-first energy piece. Even Bronny James, fresh off his rookie campaign, brings value as a high-IQ guard who plays with poise beyond his years. Gabe Vincent remains a useful veteran backup who can provide playoff-tested minutes when called upon. Altogether, the Lakers’ guard rotation is deep, skilled, and diverse in style and strength.
On the wings, the Lakers may not have a traditional superstar, but they do have a mix of physicality, length, and two-way ability. Rui Hachimura continues to grow into his hybrid forward role, capable of hitting corner threes and defending both forward spots. Jake LaRavia, newly acquired, adds a valuable layer of versatility. He’s a capable defender and ball mover who thrives in structured team concepts, and his size and athleticism should give the Lakers more lineup flexibility, especially in small-ball scenarios. LeBron James, ever the centerpiece of Lakers lore, is still defying Father Time and commanding defenses at age 40. Whether he starts or coasts into a more reserved role, LeBron remains the Lakers’ emotional and strategic cornerstone.
Jarred Vanderbilt, when healthy, is the Lakers’ best on-ball wing defender, capable of taking on tough matchups against the likes of Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard. His motor, rebounding, and defensive instincts are unmatched on the team. If there’s one player who symbolizes the kind of identity the Lakers still need more of—especially in the playoffs—it’s Vanderbilt. Adou Thiero, the Kentucky product, is a bit of an X-factor. He brings freakish athleticism and raw defensive potential, and the coaching staff seems intrigued by what he could become as a switching big wing who can slide into multiple defensive coverages. While he’s not yet polished offensively, his development could prove critical if the Lakers intend to consistently win gritty, defensive-minded playoff games.
In the frontcourt, Jaxson Hayes’ return adds important continuity and depth. At 7’1 with an explosive vertical leap, Hayes offers rim-running and shot-blocking in spurts. He’s not the complete interior defender the Lakers still covet, but he’s a valuable second-unit big who can run the floor with pace and play above the rim. Maxi Kleber, a skilled stretch five who has playoff experience from his time with Dončić in Dallas, gives the Lakers another big who can space the floor and provide intelligent team defense. Kleber is unlikely to be a night-in, night-out contributor, but in specific matchups, his ability to hit the three and survive switches defensively could prove to be a difference-maker.
With all this talent assembled, what are the Lakers still lacking? The answer is surprisingly simple but critically important: they need a long, defensive-minded wing who can guard elite scorers and hit open shots, or a true shot-blocking big man who can anchor second-unit defense and close games when Ayton is in foul trouble or outmatched. A player like Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, or even a veteran like Brook Lopez would tilt the defensive balance decisively in the Lakers’ favor. On the perimeter, a rugged 3-and-D specialist—think Matisse Thybulle, Herb Jones, or a healthy version of OG Anunoby—would allow Dončić and Reaves to conserve energy and avoid mismatches against explosive scorers. Right now, Vanderbilt and Goodwin are the closest fits for this role, but both have limitations offensively or in consistency.
The Western Conference remains a gauntlet with superstars across the board—Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Steph Curry, and the ever-dangerous Nikola Jokić. Having a player who can credibly slow these stars for even five-minute stretches in the playoffs could be the difference between heartbreak and a parade down Figueroa Street. Without that, the Lakers are vulnerable to hot shooting nights and defensive mismatches. With that missing piece in place, however, they would be as complete a team as exists in the NBA.
Still, the progress is undeniable. The Lakers have gone from an uncertain and aging roster to a team filled with athleticism, youth, veteran savvy, and championship experience. Luka Dončić gives them a bona fide MVP candidate. DeAndre Ayton gives them a center capable of dominating inside. LeBron James remains a strategic force. Austin Reaves, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt bring cohesion and versatility. Hayes, Kleber, and LaRavia add support in the margins. There’s leadership, scoring, depth, and rebounding—all hallmarks of a championship-caliber team. Even Bronny James’ development could be a key subplot by midseason if his defense continues to evolve.
As training camp approaches, the Lakers stand tall among the most intriguing teams in the NBA. All eyes will be on how Dončić and LeBron share the court, how Ayton adapts to his new role, and whether Reaves can elevate his game to near-All-Star status. If they manage to acquire that one final defensive piece—a perimeter stopper or elite rim protector—they may not just be contenders. They might be favorites.
