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“LeBron James is requesting a trade” – Lakers fans perplexed as LA front office lands Jake LaRavia for $12 million despite glaring need at center

The LA Lakers have reportedly signed forward Jake LaRavia to a two-year $12 million contract. Fans reacted to the news, as the Lakers have a glaring need for a big man.

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On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that league sources said that LaRavia and his agents, AMR Agency’s Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry, have negotiated a fully guaranteed deal with LA.

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A couple of fans speculated that four-time NBA champion LeBron James will request for a trade. On Saturday, Charania reported that James had exercised his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26.

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Meanwhile, others are expecting the Lakers to sign a big man. One fan mentioned top free agents, Deandre Ayton and Dorian Finney-Smith. Ayton has initiated a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and is free to sign with any team. Finney-Smith, whom LA traded for in December, signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets.

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On the other hand, some praised the Lakers for adding LaRavia.

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Last season, LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game on 47.5% shooting (42.3% from 3-point range) in 66 games split with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, LA signed LaRavia via a portion of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The Lakers still have $8.25 left in their NTMLE and the $5.1 million bi-annual exception.

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Deandre Ayton is linked to the Lakers

Following the reports of Deandre Ayton becoming a free agent on Sunday, the LA Lakers were floated as a possible destination for the 7-foot center.

NBA insider Shams Charania wrote that Ayton approached the Portland Trail Blazers about a contract buyout. He has $35.6 million left on his expiring four-year, $133 million contract. Charania added that Ayton indicated his desire "to play in a winning situation."

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According to ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne said that teams in need of a center are expected "to be very active" with Ayton.

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Ayton put up 14.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 40 games with Portland last season. The Phoenix Suns selected Ayton with the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He was a key member of the Suns team that reached the NBA Finals in 2021.

While there are injury concerns and questions about his consistency, Ayton could be the perfect complement and a lob threat for Luka Doncic. Ayton and Doncic were part of the same draft class and have developed a friendship through the years. Both players are also represented by the same agent, Bill Duffy.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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