The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly landed their top offseason target, agreeing to a deal with former No. 1 overall pick Deandre ayton. Sources indicate the standout center will join the team on a two-year contract. This pivotal move directly addresses the Lakers’ urgent need for size and paint presence heading into the next NBA season. The agreement brings a proven big man to Los Angeles, promising to reshape the team’s frontcourt dynamics. This signing quickly became a major headline during the early stages of the 2025 NBA free agency period.
Deal Details and ayton’s Path to LA
The agreement between Ayton and the Lakers is for two seasons. It includes a player option for the second year, offering flexibility for both the player and the team. Reporting indicates Ayton is set to earn approximately $34 million total next season. This figure combines his upcoming salary from the Lakers with money received from his recent buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton’s representatives, Nima Namakian and Bill Duffy, finalized the contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka.
Ayton’s availability stemmed from a buyout with Portland. He reportedly approached the Blazers seeking an opportunity to play for a winning franchise. This request also acknowledged Portland’s focus on developing its younger centers. After the buyout was finalized, Ayton cleared free agency waivers. He then spoke with several interested teams before ultimately choosing the Lakers. Other franchises reportedly showing interest included the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets. Ayton is also familiar with Southern California, having played high school basketball in San Diego.
Fitting into the Lakers’ Scheme
Deandre Ayton is expected to immediately step into the starting center role for the Lakers. This positions him as a crucial anchor in the paint. He will partner with fellow 2018 top pick Luka Doncic, creating a dynamic duo from the same draft class. Ayton went first overall in 2018, while Doncic was selected third. Ayton is also anticipated to be a significant lob threat. This makes him a valuable target for playmakers like Doncic and potentially LeBron James.
His arrival addresses a glaring weakness the Lakers experienced last season. The team struggled without a reliable, dominant center. Jaxson Hayes, who served in the role, was notably benched during the team’s playoff series. The Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that series, Minnesota’s star center Rudy Gobert posted dominant numbers. The Lakers’ lack of a consistent big man was keenly felt. Ayton’s presence is seen as the solution to these specific frontcourt deficiencies.
Deandre Ayton’s Statistical Profile and Career Context
Ayton will turn 27 years old later this month. He brings seven seasons of NBA experience to Los Angeles. Last season with Portland, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. He shot an efficient 56.6% from the field.
He holds a unique place in NBA history. Deandre Ayton is the first player since Lakers legend Dwight Howard to average a double-double (at least 10 points and 10 rebounds) in each of his first seven NBA seasons. He is also one of only four active players to achieve this double-double average over the past seven years, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic.
Ayton earned All-Rookie Team honors in his debut season (2018-19). In his five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds while shooting 59.7%. Over his entire seven-season career, his averages stand at 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. His career field goal percentage is an impressive 59.0%. A notable postseason statistic highlights his efficiency: he is reportedly the only player in NBA history to average at least 15 points and 60% shooting in the playoffs.
Navigating Concerns and Looking Ahead
While Ayton’s talent and production are undeniable, his career has also seen challenges. Health has been a factor; he has dealt with various injuries throughout his eight years in the league. These include a calf strain that ended his season early last year. He also missed time due to lower back issues, ankle injuries, and knee soreness. Ayton played just 40 games last season. He has appeared in only 95 out of a possible 164 games over the past two campaigns. He has played 63 or more games in a season only three times in his career.
Moving to the Lakers marks his third team in eight seasons. This could be seen by some as a point of criticism regarding his consistency or fit in previous situations. However, the opportunity for a “redemption arc” in the high-profile Los Angeles market presents a compelling narrative.
The Lakers center signing aligns directly with Rob Pelinka’s stated offseason priorities. Addressing the lack of depth and impact at the center position was a key focus. Ayton represents a significant upgrade over the big men the team featured last year. Despite securing Deandre Ayton Lakers deal, the team might still seek further frontcourt depth. Names like Al Horford and Robert Williams III have been linked to the team in free agency or trade rumors. The acquisition will impact the Lakers’ salary cap and potential roster moves, especially given their position relative to the second apron. For example, re-signing players like Dante Exum and potentially adding Ayton using the Mid-Level Exception require careful roster management.
Adding Ayton provides the Ayton Lakers with a legitimate starter. While concerns about his effort and defensive intensity (particularly shot-blocking) have been raised by some, his rebounding and lob threat capabilities are highly valuable. He should provide a much-needed presence in the paint, crucial for a team built around star guards and wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key terms of Deandre Ayton’s contract with the Lakers?
Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The contract reportedly includes a player option for the second season. Ayton’s total earnings for the upcoming season are estimated to be around $34 million. This amount is a combination of his salary from the Lakers and money received from his recent buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers.
How does Deandre Ayton’s signing address the Lakers’ needs?
Ayton’s arrival directly fills the Lakers’ crucial need for a starting center. He provides size, rebounding, and a legitimate scoring threat in the paint. His presence as a “lob target” complements guards like Luka Doncic and potentially LeBron James. This signing aims to improve the team’s defense and interior scoring, areas highlighted as weaknesses during their previous season and playoff exit.
What is Deandre Ayton’s career history and statistical profile?
Deandre Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He played five seasons with the Phoenix Suns before spending two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Over his seven-year career, Ayton averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is noted for his efficiency, shooting 59.0% from the field for his career. He is one of only four players to average a double-double over the past seven seasons and the first since Dwight Howard to do so through his first seven years.
In conclusion, the Deandre Ayton Lakers signing marks a significant step for the franchise. It addresses a critical roster weakness with a high-upside player. While questions about health and consistency persist, Ayton’s talent and fit appear strong on paper. His partnership with Luka Doncic could become a cornerstone of the Lakers’ future. This move signals the team’s commitment to competing and adapting their roster around their core players.
