‘3 Desperate Needs Filled,’ ‘Horrifically Run Organization’ — NBA Fans Have Mixed Reaction to Lakers’ Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with clear intentions to rile up their roster with a rim protector, strengthen the win, and build more depth. While they seem to have done it, they’re also garnering mixed reactions from fans worldwide.

After ESPN’s Bobby Marks drew a crisp assessment of the Lakers’ achievements, some fans praised the smart decisions. In contrast, others slammed the front office for horrific decision-making and mismanagement.

Los Angeles Lakers Front Office Decisions Called “Horrific” By Fans
From the moment free agency began, LA looked forward to everything in a business-like manner. The Lakers did everything with a newfound sense of strategy and precision by targeting veteran centers to add wing scorers and extending reliable rotation options.

Early during the offseason, the situation looked dire for them. They missed many top targets and even saw top-rated players like Dorian Finney-Smith go to Houston. Panic started to strike in the front office and among the fans, as others made flashy moves.

But gradually, they came up with a solid plan. Every move they have made has centered on gaining short-term deals, which will eventually clear up space for the following offseason.

So, they stitched together cost-effective options with three significant additions – Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. Thanks to Luka Dončić for the last two!

However, with limited draft flexibility and previous veteran minimum space, critics argue that the moves have only addressed the “symptoms” for some time, rather than fix the Lakers’ root problem.

Lakers offseason pic.twitter.com/IkjP1wycgs

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 21, 2025

What Do Critics and Fans Feel About the Offseason Drama?
Critics of these moves have characterized the Lakers’ front office as an “absolutely horrifically run organization.”

Absolutely horrifically run organization.

— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) July 21, 2025

Another fan is frustrated that an aging superstar is the Lakers’ best defender. This certainly highlights the cracks in the Lakers’ lineup, possibly because there is a lack of young and elite defensive talent.

Mid asf lol

40 year old lebron being you’re best defender in you’re starting lineup is inexcusable

— Lol Smh (@LolSmh6069) July 21, 2025

And then there’s this fan who argues that shifting Austin Reaves to sixth man makes strategic sense. It would likely create a more balanced offense-defense rotation, allow Reaves to shine with 30 MPG leading the second unit, and give the starting lineup an extra defender.

Honestly Smart should start to balance offense/defense. Reaves should be the sixth man, play 30mpg, close games, and run the second unit. (Or Rui first off the bench with Reaves starting).

— Tyler Mudrick (@tmud91087) July 21, 2025

And then there’s this fan who believes the Lakers are probably just waiting for LeBron James to come off their books before they kick off a legitimate rebuild. The fan argues that without sacrificing future first-round picks, the organization isn’t going to be a serious contender. True transformation would only come when the King departs.

They are waiting for LeBron to come off their books so they can start the retool.

This isn’t a championship team as constituted, and they clearly don’t want to move any future 1st’s.

— Mikey B ™️ (@MikeyBfromATL) July 21, 2025

Of course, how can one forget LeBron fans when speaking about any Lakers roster? This fan blasted a tweet straight to James, questioning his patience with the current roster. Considering the past, the Lakers not building around him and the King still under contract, with a subpar roster, frustrates his devoted followers.

Why is @KingJames putting up with this bullshit roster?? https://t.co/zBUz50I30k

— Jaylon Tyson Fan Club (@IsaacOkoroFan) July 21, 2025

While there are plenty of critics, nitpicking on every single thing, there are always fans who send in their support. This fan highly regards Rob Pelinka’s strategy, saying, “3 desperate needs filled. 0 assets used. Rob Pelinka is the buyout jesus”. The fan also graded the offseason moves an A-.

A-

3 desperate needs filled. 0 assets used.

Rob Pelinka is the buyout jesus.

— win! (@jswriven) July 21, 2025

According to the fan, Pelinka’s ability to plug major roster holes, the center, wing, and depth, using only buyout signings and vet minimums, rather than trading away picks or core assets, must be lauded.

Fans praise the Lakers’ calculated moves. They have added depth that aligns with the current needs. Ayton is excited to join the super team and is revved up to contribute heavily. LaRavia seems to be a bargain pick-and-roll asset for the team. According to fans and everyone, there’s a lot of promise coming in from the entire roster, no matter what critics say.

However, nobody can deny the fact that these are temporary surgical fixes for the team. It might result in an underwhelming result during their championship window. A recent SB Nation poll showed that only 43% people are satisfied with the Ayton-LaRavia depth chart.

Only time will tell what unravels in the future for the Lakers.