In three exhibition games this month, Ayton has blocked a combined five shots. After Anthony Davis was traded for Luka Doncic in February, L.A. had a gaping hole at the center position, and Jaxson Hayes, who started at that position, wasn't able to provide enough consistent rim protection or rebounding.

Perhaps if the Los Angeles Lakers had a more realistic chance of landing a transformational superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo down the line they would be more hesitant to make short-term additions.