In a bold move to reshape their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers have secured Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia on two-year deals while re-signing Jaxson Hayes. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith has departed for the Houston Rockets, indicating the Lakers' desire for flexibility as they eye the 2027 class to pair with Luka Dončić. LeBron James, while opting in for another season, reportedly feels overlooked as the Lakers focus on future plans involving Dončić.

Sports commentator Jason McIntyre pointed out that the Lakers might need a star player to fully engage LeBron, suggesting that Bradley Beal could be the answer. Although Beal hasn't entered free agency yet, a potential buyout from the Suns could lead to his signing at a much lower cost than his current $50 million contract. If this happens, the Lakers' lineup featuring Ayton, James, Dončić, Beal, and Austin Reaves could become a formidable offensive force.