Richard Jefferson says LA Lakers could have ‘one of the steals of free agency’

The move for Ayton has generated a lot of buzz, with the Lakers in desperate need to add a center, and now they have a former number one pick in the building.

Ayton has a lot to prove after a tough spell with the Portland Trail Blazers, and he has already stated his championship ambitions with the Lakers.

Richard Jefferson on Deandre Ayton

Former NBA star Richard Jefferson has offered his thoughts on the Lakers’ move for Ayton, and he has compared his situation to JR Smith.

Jefferson said that JR Smith had struggled to realize his potential, before teaming up with LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He told Road Trippin’: “He was younger and made some mistakes. He got around ‘Bron, and he became one of the most important players on that roster in the championship. There’s multiple sides to JR.

“And when I look at Deandre Ayton, all of the talent is there.

Right now you get to go play basketball, your only job every day is to be consistent in your approach.

“They are not asking you to score 30, they are not asking you to be an All-Star, they are asking you to be consistent.

“He could have an outstanding season and it could be one of the steals of free agency.”

Ayton must take opportunity

Ayton has expressed his excitement to team up with Luka Doncic, describing the situation as like being in a video game.

NBA expert Bill Simmons has warned the Lakers adding Deandre Ayton could fuel a ‘soap opera’ season, expressing concern that the move could not work out.

This is a possibility Jefferson accepts, adding: “There’s another component to it where he doesn’t take the opportunity and seize it, and this is a pivotal moment of his career, that he might ever have in his career.”

Former NBA player Channing Frye warned about the perils of moving to LA, commenting: “If he’s not willing to commit to the un-famous stuff, it’s going to get ugly.”