Yes generally

The idea in the verb tenses is NOT a statement that every time you give someone a chance they will always lay it on the line.

But in this case, in the story the subject is relating, the people he gave the chance to did whatever it took to help.

It would be good to see the next sentence or the result.  I would predict it is something about how the people who laid it on the line deserve respect, loyalty, financial remuneration etc... or none of the blame if things went wrong.

In the first sentence the subject needed something done, maybe he was forming some sort of business.  He gave people a chance - a chance to help, a chance to profit by working to see the business succeed.  The people he gave the chance to laid it on the line - they worked, they took risks, they put all they could into it.

What is the next line?  What was the conclusion?

Lay it on the line means done all they could.

The phrase has many aspects - the person who laid it on the line worked as hard and as long as they could, used all their mental and financial resources, and even put intangible things like their reputation or influence into the effort.

It also speaks to their taking risks, even to the point of personal or professional ruin and possible trouble with the authorities.  The person who lays it on the line holds nothing back.

In the context someone who lays it on the line can't really be blamed for failure, they did all they could.  And they deserve all gratitude, respect and loyalty from those they laid it on the line for.

@NEalc

Thanks Neal to take time drive the point home.Got it 

AHHA.so could we change the sentence in this way: " You give somebody else a chance, and guys  will do whatever it takes to help you?

THE MESSAGE WHICH ARE GOTTEN ACROSS ARE SAME ?