Daluo signs the Clippers, Kazakhs return to the Rockets, 3D is gone, Lakers are empty again

The curtain of the free market opened in 2025, and the teams were crazy arms races. The Clippers, Rockets and other teams made a lot of money, but the Lakers hit walls one after another and fell into a passive situation.

The Lakers wanted to keep high-quality 3D Finney-Smith, and at the same time made a difference in the center position, but reality gave them a heavy blow. Finney-Smith, who refused to execute the player option, quickly reached a new four-year, $53 million contract with the Rockets. The Lakers' plan to keep him at 41% of three-point shooting last season and can limit the All-Star player's effective shooting percentage at halftime to 47%.

In addition to missing a 3D player, the inside players who wanted to strengthen were also intercepted one after another. It was previously reported that the Lakers were interested in Capela, Daluo, Horford, Ayton and others, but when they woke up, the Lakers completely stopped.

First is Capela, the Rockets signed back to former player Clint Capela with 21.5 million in three years. Last season, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game in the Hawks, and her franchise and rebounding skills are still excellent. The Rockets have formed a luxurious frontcourt of Durant + Shen Jing + Capela this summer, and their determination to strive for the championship is obvious.

Then Daluo joined the city's strong rival Clippers with a two-year contract of 18 million. Daluo averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 37.3%. His joining allowed the Clippers to upgrade their offense and defense in the interior.

Watching the Western Conference teams strengthened variously, the Lakers chose to sign a two-year, $12 million contract with Kings scorer Laravia. The 25-year-old forward shot 36.4% from three-pointers last season, but his defensive ability is far inferior to Smith, and it is still unknown whether he can fill the vacancy.

The Lakers had also been interested in Connet, but were the first to be the Spurs. He joined the Spurs for 4 years and $41 million, with the fourth year of the contract being the team option. In the center position, the Lakers can be said to have "no harvest".

Currently, the Lakers' only goal is Ayton

Now only Ayton has not yet determined the next one. According to Chris Haynes, the Lakers may still compete for the former No. 1 center, but they need to face competition from teams such as the Warriors and Celtics.

As the No. 1 pick in 2018, Ayton has excellent physical fitness and inside ability. If he can join, it will greatly enhance the Lakers' inside strength. Ayton reached a buyout agreement with the Trail Blazers and is about to become a free agent, and he and the Lakers core Doncic belong to the same agency, which may become a favorable factor for the Lakers to introduce him.

The Lakers management is also actively operating to strive to achieve a breakthrough in center signings. But there are still many variables whether Ayton can join successfully.