The Los Angeles Lakers have officially secured a significant addition to their frontcourt, reportedly agreeing to terms with former No. 1 overall pick Deandre ayton. This move, confirmed by multiple sources following initial reports from Chris Haynes, brings the 7-foot center to Los Angeles on a two-year contract. The deal includes a player option in the second season, signaling both a commitment and flexibility for both parties involved. This signing follows ayton’s recent contract buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, making him an attractive free agent target for teams needing size and talent in the paint.
Decoding the Ayton Deal with Los Angeles
Deandre Ayton’s agreement with the Lakers is structured as a two-year contract valued at approximately $16.6 million. For the upcoming season, Ayton is set to earn around $8.1 million. This figure represents the remaining portion of the Lakers’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE). The Lakers utilized another part of this exception earlier to sign Jake LaRavia. This structure makes the acquisition financially affordable for the Lakers. Ayton’s previous contract with Portland was worth $35.6 million for the season. Through the buyout agreement, he reportedly forfeited $10 million. However, he will still receive the remaining $25.5 million from Portland. The Lakers’ $8.1 million salary commitment will effectively be discounted from the amount Portland owes him. This complex arrangement means Ayton will still earn approximately $33.6 million this season, combining the amounts from both teams. The financial flexibility provided by the MLE contract allows the Lakers to add a player of Ayton’s pedigree without impacting their salary cap significantly in future years, especially with the player option providing an exit ramp or renegotiation opportunity after one season.
Addressing a Critical Need at Center
Lakers management prioritized acquiring a starting-caliber center this offseason. The team’s reliance on Jaxson Hayes towards the end of the previous season, including benching him in key playoff moments, underscored this urgent need. While veteran Brook Lopez was reportedly a target before he signed elsewhere, Ayton represents a different, potentially higher-upside option at a relatively low cost. On paper, Ayton possesses the physical tools and past production to theoretically address the Lakers’ requirements for size, rebounding, and interior presence.
On-Court Dynamics: Ayton’s Fit with Lakers Stars
Ayton’s offensive profile suggests a potentially seamless integration alongside players like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. He thrives as a rim-runner, excelling in pick-and-roll situations where he can be a reliable lob threat. Last season in Portland, 34.4% of his shot attempts came at the rim. He converted an impressive 82% of those looks. This skillset complements Dončić’s exceptional playmaking ability, mirroring the type of big man who has found success playing next to Dončić in the past. Beyond the restricted area, Ayton also possesses a smooth midrange jumper. He can knock down shots from his preferred spots on the floor, adding another dimension to his offensive game. Defensively, Ayton offers significant size and a physical presence in the paint. While he’s not known as an elite shot-blocker, averaging just one block per game last season, his sheer size can deter drives and help control the boards. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds for Portland. A couple of seasons prior in Phoenix, he posted averages of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Over his two seasons in Portland, he averaged 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds. Notably, Ayton is the first player since Dwight Howard to average over 10 points and 10 rebounds through his first seven NBA seasons.
Navigating the Persistent Question Marks: Effort and Consistency
Despite his clear physical gifts and statistical production, a significant cloud has followed Deandre Ayton throughout his career: inconsistent effort and perceived maturity issues. Reports from former teammates and staff, often anonymously, have described him as “immature” and lacking the sustained commitment typically seen in top NBA players. He has reportedly shown behaviors labeled as those of a “diva.” These include tardiness to team activities and skipping rehabilitation appointments. Past incidents like slamming chairs when substituted or locker room tantrums when sidelined for poor effort have also been reported. The core challenge has consistently been motivating Ayton to bring a high level of intensity and focus every single game. This perceived inconsistency reportedly contributed to his complex relationship with then-Suns coach Monty Williams and ultimately factored into Phoenix trading him and Portland’s decision to pursue a buyout after efforts to trade him were unsuccessful.
Can the Lakers Unlock Ayton’s Full Potential?
The Lakers’ decision to sign Ayton is fundamentally a bet on their environment and coaching staff being able to maximize his talent. The team is wagering that integrating him into the demanding culture of LeBron James’ locker room, which is built on preparation and consistent high-level effort, will be a positive influence. Playing alongside a superstar playmaker like Luka Dončić could also provide consistent motivation and clear on-court synergy. Furthermore, the presence of head coach J.J. Redick, a younger coach and former player known for connecting with current players, might be a factor in reaching Ayton. Some speculation exists that being bought out by the Blazers after failed trade attempts might serve as a wake-up call, perhaps rattling his cage just enough. While former Blazers coach Chauncey Billups briefly felt they had “unlocked” Ayton during a strong stretch late in the 2023-24 season, that consistency did not carry forward. For this signing to be “terrific” for the Lakers, the combined efforts of the team’s leaders and coaching staff must succeed where others haven’t in fostering Ayton’s consistent focus and commitment to the game.
A New Beginning After a Tumultuous Journey
Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles marks his third NBA team just seven years into his career. Drafted first overall in the historic 2018 class, two spots ahead of Luka Dončić (now his teammate), his journey has been anything but smooth. He was a crucial piece for the Phoenix Suns, contributing significantly to their 2021 NBA Finals run alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul. However, reported friction and contract disagreements led to his trade to Portland as part of the Damian Lillard blockbuster deal in 2023. His two seasons with the Trail Blazers were marked by inconsistency. Despite moments of high production, including stretches where he averaged nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds, his overall impact and effort level were often questioned. The Blazers, looking towards younger centers drafted in 2024 (Donovan Clingan) and 2025 (Yang Hansen), and unable to find a suitable trade, opted for the buyout. For Ayton, who reportedly sought a “winning situation,” joining the Lakers offers a fresh start and the opportunity to prove he can consistently contribute to a competitive team environment, similar to his earlier years in Phoenix.
Financial Strategy and the Road Ahead
The affordable nature of Ayton’s contract, fitting snugly within the MLE, provides the Lakers significant financial flexibility. However, the structure of the deal, particularly the player option in year two, puts the onus squarely on Ayton’s performance this season. How close he comes to reaching his immense on-paper potential will directly influence his decision next summer. He could opt out to seek a larger, long-term contract elsewhere if he excels. Conversely, he could choose to remain with the Lakers if the situation proves beneficial and perhaps negotiate a new deal. This season serves as a critical audition for Ayton, both for the Lakers and for the broader NBA market. The success of this signing hinges entirely on whether he can consistently apply his considerable talents and overcome the inconsistencies that have defined his career thus far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the details of Deandre Ayton’s contract with the Lakers?
Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth approximately $16.6 million in total. The deal includes a player option for the second season. For the upcoming season, Ayton’s salary is around $8.1 million, which fits within the Lakers’ mid-level exception. While this is significantly less than his previous contract, he will still receive approximately $33.6 million this season due to a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, who will pay the majority.
How does Deandre Ayton potentially fit playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James?
Deandre Ayton’s skillset, particularly his effectiveness as a rim-runner and lob threat, appears to be a strong theoretical fit with Luka Dončić’s elite passing. Ayton’s ability to finish efficiently at the rim (82% last season) and his midrange game can complement Dončić’s pick-and-roll mastery. Playing alongside both Dončić and LeBron James means Ayton will have consistent opportunities for easy baskets. His size also provides an interior presence needed by the team.
What are the biggest concerns surrounding Deandre Ayton joining the Lakers?
The primary concern regarding Deandre Ayton is his history of inconsistent effort, focus, and perceived maturity issues. Reports from previous teams have highlighted problems with commitment, tardiness, and frustration management. While Ayton has immense talent, the question remains whether he can consistently apply it and thrive within the demanding environment of a high-profile team like the Lakers, especially one featuring superstars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. His ability to overcome these challenges will determine the success of the signing.
