The Lakers’ blockbuster addition dramatically moved them up the oddsboard as a legitimate threat to win the NBA Finals, with Los Angeles shifting from 40/1 down to 14/1 at BetMGM Sportsbook. Those 14/1 odds are tied for the fifth-best mark, and the Lakers are unlikely to be done dealing ahead of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.

The Trail Blazers would likely want to make room to have more minutes for Donovan Clingan, who they recently selected early in the 2024 NBA Draft. For the Lakers, meanwhile, Ayton could have at least some tangible valuable as a player who has postseason experience and tremendous size on the inside.

Despite initial shock over the Luka Dončić deal, the Lakers captain is leading with his trademark poise and professionalism, writes .