LA's are the "low cost" line of engines that O.S. sells.

They have simpler carbs and cheaper components.

They also produce less power per CU than the other engines they sell.

They are NOT horrid however... but they may be a bit confusing for the novice who doesn't understand how a bleed carb system works... and has problems getting a decent tune on the engine.

You may however want to spend a bit more on one of the better engines. This will eliminate some of the initial struggles with tuning, etc.