The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the center of NBA offseason discussions, and Lakers legend Magic Johnson has made it clear what the team needs to do to position themselves as championship contenders for the 2025-26 season. With the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic and the continued presence of LeBron James, the Lakers are poised to be a formidable force, but Johnson believes the addition of Deandre Ayton could be the missing piece to secure a title. Instead of pursuing costly trades, Johnson has emphasized the importance of signing Ayton in free agency, a move that could solidify the Lakers’ roster without sacrificing key assets.

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and one of the most influential figures in Lakers history, recently shared his thoughts on social media and in interviews, highlighting Ayton’s potential to transform the team. After the Lakers’ disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024-25 season, despite a 50-32 regular-season record, the team’s lack of size in the frontcourt was glaring. The trade of Anthony Davis for Doncic created an offensive powerhouse, but it left the Lakers vulnerable in the paint, with Jaxson Hayes struggling as the starting center. Johnson’s endorsement of Ayton, who recently agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers after a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, signals his belief that the former No. 1 pick can address this weakness.

Ayton, drafted ahead of Doncic in 2018, brings a skill set that complements the Lakers’ superstar duo. At 26, he averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, with a reliable midrange jumper and the ability to dominate the boards. His athleticism and size make him an ideal fit to anchor the paint, run the pick-and-roll with Doncic, and serve as a lob threat for both Doncic and James, who together averaged over 50 points per game last season. Johnson’s excitement was evident when he shared a screenshot of Ayton, Doncic, and James in Lakers jerseys on social media, a subtle but powerful nod to the potential of this trio. According to reports, Doncic himself pushed for a strong center, and his approval of Ayton’s signing suggests a seamless integration into the team’s offensive system.

The decision to sign Ayton rather than pursue a trade is a strategic one, as Johnson has stressed the importance of preserving the Lakers’ core. Trading for a high-profile center like Brook Lopez or Walker Kessler could have required giving up valuable assets like Austin Reaves or draft picks, which would have weakened the roster’s depth. Ayton’s buyout from Portland allowed the Lakers to secure him at a relatively low cost, freeing up resources to address other needs, such as improving the bench and adding younger players. Johnson emphasized this on ESPN’s Get Up, stating, “Rob Pelinka has gotta improve the roster. We need a big man, and we must improve the bench as well.” Ayton’s two-year deal, with a second-year option, provides flexibility while addressing an immediate need.

However, Johnson’s vision for a championship run extends beyond Ayton’s signing. He has called for better conditioning across the roster, particularly from Doncic, who faced criticism for his fitness during the playoffs. Johnson praised Doncic’s offseason efforts to get in shape, noting that a slimmer, more agile Doncic could elevate the Lakers to title contenders. “Luka looks great right now, and the rest of the Lakers have to do the same thing,” Johnson said, crediting coach JJ Redick for emphasizing championship-level fitness. The Lakers’ playoff loss exposed their lack of depth and defensive intensity, with Minnesota outscoring them significantly in fastbreak and bench points. Johnson believes that with Ayton anchoring the defense and players like Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero adding youth and versatility, the team can address these weaknesses.

The Lakers’ offseason moves, including drafting Thiero and signing LaRavia, show a commitment to building around Doncic and James while staying competitive. However, Johnson’s comments underscore the high expectations in Los Angeles, where anything less than a championship is considered a failure. LeBron, at 40, remains an elite performer, earning All-NBA Second Team honors despite a playoff struggle, while Doncic’s 30.2 points per game in the postseason highlight his superstar status. Ayton’s addition could be the catalyst to unify their talents, providing the size and defensive presence needed to compete with Western Conference powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves.

As the Lakers prepare for the 2025-26 season, Johnson’s message is clear: signing Ayton was a critical step, but the team must continue to bolster its roster and elevate its conditioning to meet the championship standard. With Doncic and James leading the way, and Ayton providing a strong presence in the paint, the Lakers have the potential to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite. For Johnson and the Lakers’ faithful, the goal remains the same—raise another banner in Los Angeles.