The Los Angeles Lakers showed promise after the deadline with Lebron James and Luka Dončić sharing the court together.
Fans became aggravated, however, with the quality of the rest of their starting lineup, specifically the center position.
Anthony Davis’ departure from Los Angeles meant the Lakers were left with Jaxson Hayes as their new starting center, and now it is clear they must make a change.
Twitter user Playoff LAL proposed an idea on Twitter where the Lakers receive Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent.
Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, where he was selected two spots ahead of Dončić.
He would come in and immediately act as a defensive anchor and lob threat, something Dončić thrives with.
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Back in his days with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton was a key piece of their Western Conference Championship team, which fell short in the finals.
Ayton has never averaged less than 14.4 points per game, and unfortunately, last season he averaged it just like he did in his third year in the league.
Understandable as he dealt with injuries for part of the year, and because of the rebuilding state Portland is in.
The seven-foot big man averaged 18 points per game just a few years ago, and has averaged a double-double every year of his career.
Parting ways with Hachimura should seem doable if it means bringing in a quality center to maximize the Lakers' championship opportunity.
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