Rob Pelinka is once again proving the doubters wrong, with the Lakers’ new signings playing a pivotal role in their success this season. What initially appeared to be another mediocre offseason has turned into a masterclass in roster building. DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia — three names many questioned — have each delivered exactly what this team needed to complement its stars and elevate its ceiling.
Ayton Restores Balance Inside
Last season, the Lakers lacked a true interior anchor — someone who could protect the rim, rebound, and give them reliable inside scoring when the perimeter dried up. DeAndre Ayton has solved all three problems.
He’s averaging around 15 points and eight rebounds per game, giving L.A. both stability and scoring versatility. During the stretch without their stars, Ayton’s production surged, keeping the offense steady with efficient post play and rim finishes. But his biggest contribution is the basic big-man work the Lakers sorely missed last year: rebounds and rim protection.
For all the criticism he’s faced in recent years, Ayton is showing that when he buys in, he’s still one of the league’s most skilled bigs — and exactly the kind of center the Lakers have been missing.
Smart’s Voice and Edge
Marcus Smart’s arrival was met with skepticism — some thought he was past his prime, others doubted his fit next to multiple playmakers, and of course, there were legitimate injury concerns. But he’s become the heartbeat of the locker room and the emotional anchor when the stars sat.
While LeBron and Luka recovered, Smart took command. He guarded the opponent’s best perimeter player nightly, brought intensity, and even organized the offense on nights when other ball handlers weren’t available. The Lakers defend now with Smart’s personality — fiery, fearless, and fully engaged.
LaRavia Seizing His Moment
Jake LaRavia was the least proven of the trio, but his breakout shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s watched him closely. He’s always had the skill set — smart cuts, clean mechanics, defensive versatility — he just needed the opportunity.
When the stars were out, that opportunity came. LaRavia responded by spacing the floor, attacking closeouts, and knocking down open looks with poise. He’s quietly become one of the Lakers’ most efficient shooters, and his understanding of spacing has unlocked bench units that previously stagnated. He doesn’t need the ball — he just plays the right way, every possession.
If you’ve actually watched him, you wouldn’t be surprised. This is who he’s always been — he just finally has the right system and the right teammates around him.
Pelinka’s Masterclass
When these moves were made, fans and pundits mocked the Lakers’ offseason. These signings didn’t seem to be the ones that would transform the Lakers into a contender. But so far, his decisions look brilliant.
Ayton, Smart, and LaRavia are providing exactly what the Lakers expected: rim protection, leadership, shooting, and composure. More importantly, they’ve kept the Lakers winning while the stars rested. That’s not luck, that’s roster construction and depth.
For years, Pelinka was criticized for chasing stars over structure. This time, he built a team designed to withstand injuries, manage workloads, and still compete. The result? A Lakers squad that’s deeper, hungrier, and more connected than anyone anticipated.
