The Herd with Colin Cowherd Lakers Free Agency Qs: Will LA trade LeBron James, sign De'Andre Ayton, retain Dorian Finney-Smith?
Jul 1, 2025
Dive into the whirlwind of NBA free agency with insights on LeBron James' future and the potential trade scenarios swirling around him. Discover the implications of De'Andre Ayton's buyout and rumors linking him to the Lakers. The Lakers' roster dynamics are under scrutiny as fans debate key trades, while the Houston Rockets gear up for contention. Explore impactful trades like Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers and the Jazz-Hornets swap, as teams strategize for championship runs in a landscape that's rapidly evolving.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ayton's Mixed Competitiveness Fit
- DeAndre Ayton lacks intrinsic competitive fire and has shown apathy at times in his career.
- Yet, he remains a better center option for the Lakers than anyone currently available or in-house.
Ayton's Pick-and-Roll Scoring Skill
- Ayton is a highly efficient scorer in pick-and-roll situations with elite big man scoring skills.
- Luka Doncic's playmaking amplifies Ayton's ability to succeed offensively for the Lakers.
LeBron Likely Staying in LA
- LeBron James opting into his player option suggests he likely stays with the Lakers next season.
- Rich Paul’s statement is more manipulation pressure than an actual trade request.