• The Los Angeles Lakers just executed what analysts are calling one of the most brilliant off-season plays in recent NBA history—snagging Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia on team-friendly deals. But will these low-cost signings bring elite defense or expose deeper locker room risks? Fans and insiders are torn.

LOS ANGELES, CA (TDR) — In a bold summer power move that’s already got fans buzzing and rivals nervous, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off what might be the most cost-efficient defensive retool in years. With nothing more than a mid-level exception, a clever buyout grab, and a few timely waivers, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka added three key defensive assets—Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart—without blowing up the cap or sacrificing future flexibility.

A Cap-Space Masterclass

Deandre Ayton signed for a mere $16.2 million over two years, just $8.1 million annually. For a former No. 1 pick and starting-caliber center, it’s a discount almost unheard of in today’s market. But Pelinka wasn’t finished.

Right after clearing space from the Dorian Finney-Smith exit, he inked Jake LaRavia to a $12 million fully guaranteed contract, fitting neatly into the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

“It was clean. It was legal. And it was ruthless,” said ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Then came the third chess move. With the Washington Wizards buying out Marcus Smart, the Lakers pounced, landing the former Defensive Player of the Year for just $11 million over two years using the biannual exception—their last tool in the financial toolkit.

To complete the deal, the Lakers waived Shaikh Milton and Jordan Goodwin, just barely slipping under the hard cap.

Grit Over Glitz

Lakers fans are used to star-chasing headlines. But this summer, it’s all about grit, not glamour. Ayton brings size and mobility. LaRavia, a young two-way wing, fits into the switch-heavy scheme. And Smart? He’s the beating heart of any defense he joins.

“We didn’t need fireworks—we needed fire,” said a Lakers front office source. “Smart brings that.”

Social Media Reacts

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

The reactions across social media were as explosive as the deals themselves. On X (formerly Twitter), fans were divided:

@LakersLegacy24: “Ayton for $8M? Rob Pelinka just went full magician mode.”

@HoopsHistorian: “Smart’s leadership is underrated. Could be the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals push.”

But skeptics aren’t quiet either:

@BenchMobBlues: “Ayton’s got all-world talent and G-League effort. Hope LeBron can fix that.”

Trouble Beneath the Surface?

Despite the excitement, cracks are starting to show. Ayton’s effort level and focus have been questioned in both Phoenix and Portland. According to The Athletic, coaches cited skipped practices and disengaged body language:

“He’s a 7-footer who plays like a 6-foot guard when he’s not locked in,” one Western Conference scout told The Athletic.

That’s a potential powder keg in a locker room led by LeBron James and Marcus Smart—two players who demand accountability.

Marcus Smart himself comes with injury concerns and signs of decline. While still a defensive anchor, Smart’s mobility dipped last season, and the wear-and-tear of high-contact defense may be catching up.

As for LaRavia, he’s largely unproven. A promising young wing? Sure. But with a $12 million guarantee, the Lakers are banking on upside.

Eyes on 2027

So why did the Lakers get thrifty instead of splashing cash?

Simple: 2027 free agency. That’s the year stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could hit the market.

“Every move this summer was made with one eye on flexibility,” said NBA insider Shams Charania. “They’re playing chess.”

Short-term deals. No long-term commitments. A gritty team now and an open checkbook later.

High Risk, High Reward

This offseason wasn’t about headlines—it was about headspace. Rob Pelinka chose role players with high defensive IQs and the potential to unlock the Lakers’ identity. But with that comes risk.

If Ayton’s attitude doesn’t improve, if Smart’s body breaks down, or if LaRavia isn’t ready, the house of cards falls.

But if it clicks?

This could be the blueprint—the moment the Lakers turned savvy over star-chasing.

Do you think the Lakers’ defensive rebuild is genius or a gamble that could backfire before the All-Star break?

Follow The Dupree Report on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10