The Los Angeles lakers have officially landed their primary target in free agency, agreeing to terms with veteran center Deandre ayton on a two-year contract. This pivotal roster move pairs the former No. 1 overall draft pick with superstar Luka Dončić, selected just two spots behind Ayton in the loaded 2018 NBA Draft class. The signing addresses the Lakers’ most critical offseason need, solidifying the paint and providing a dynamic new dimension to their offense heading into the 2025-26 season.
Securing Ayton culminates the Lakers’ search for a reliable presence in the middle. Multiple league and team sources confirmed the agreement, highlighting the strategic importance of this acquisition for the purple and gold.
Understanding the Deal Specifics
The agreement with Ayton spans two seasons and totals $16.6 million. The structure includes a player option for the second year, offering flexibility for both the team and the player. For the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, Ayton is slated to earn $8.1 million from the Lakers. This figure represents the remaining portion of the team’s non-taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE), after factoring in the salary allocated to fellow free-agent signing Jake LaRavia.
However, Ayton’s earnings for the 2025-26 season are significantly higher when accounting for his recent contract buyout. Sources indicate Ayton will receive approximately $25.6 million from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the agreement to part ways. Combining the Lakers’ salary and the buyout amount, Ayton is set to earn a total of roughly $33.7 million next season. The decision to negotiate a buyout with Portland saw Ayton reportedly surrender $10 million from his previous deal, making him an unrestricted free agent and available for the Lakers to sign using their exception. The deal was reportedly finalized by Lakers President Rob Pelinka and Ayton’s representatives, including longtime agent Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian.
Addressing a Critical Frontcourt Need
The Lakers’ pursuit of a center was widely known and became their top priority this offseason. The necessity was underscored by the team’s struggles in the paint last season, particularly the decision to bench starting center Jaxson Hayes during the final quarters of their playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That series starkly exposed the Lakers’ deficit against dominant big men, with Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert notably posting a 27-point, 24-rebound performance in the decisive Game 5.
Ayton’s arrival provides immediate size and impact at the five position. Standing 7 feet tall with impressive physical tools, he is expected to fill the void the Lakers have faced since Anthony Davis was traded to Dallas in the transaction that brought Dončić to Los Angeles. While Ayton isn’t primarily recognized as an elite defender, his sheer presence in the paint offers a level of rim protection and rebounding the team sorely lacked.
Sources noted the Lakers had also shown significant interest in veteran Brook Lopez, who ultimately signed with the LA Clippers. While Lopez is respected as one of the league’s premier inside-outside centers, his playing style wasn’t considered the optimal fit for the pick-and-roll, lob-heavy offense that Dončić thrives in. Ayton, by contrast, possesses the athleticism and finishing ability to serve as an effective roll man and target for Dončić’s pinpoint passes, aligning better with the team’s desired offensive flow. Dončić himself is reportedly excited about the prospect of playing alongside Ayton.
Ayton’s Journey and Production
Deandre Ayton’s path to Los Angeles has been eventful. He spent his first five NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, who selected him No. 1 overall in 2018. He was later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers two years ago as part of the blockbuster three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
His time in Portland was inconsistent, marked by injury issues and playing for a rebuilding team. Ayton appeared in just 95 games over two seasons with the Blazers. Despite the team context, he maintained solid statistical production, averaging 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.9 steals per contest in Portland. His last season was cut short in February due to a strained calf injury, limiting him to only 40 appearances.
Throughout his seven-year NBA career, Ayton has been remarkably consistent as a scorer and rebounder. He holds career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 59% from the field. Notably, Ayton is one of only four players in the league (alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic) to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of the past seven seasons, a testament to his sustained production in the frontcourt. Despite this statistical consistency, he has yet to earn an All-Star selection. Ayton also has ties to Southern California, having moved there for high school basketball before attending the University of Arizona.
What Ayton Brings and Lingering Questions
At 26 years old (turning 27 later this month), Deandre Ayton arrives in Los Angeles with undeniable talent but also with plenty to prove. Having been traded by the team that drafted him and subsequently bought out by the team he was traded to, there’s a narrative of redemption surrounding this move.
On the court, Ayton provides a strong offensive presence in the paint. He can score efficiently around the basket, finish lobs effectively, and is a capable rebounder on both ends. His fit as a pick-and-roll partner for Dončić is seen as a key upside, potentially unlocking a dynamic action that the Lakers have needed.
However, questions have followed Ayton throughout his career, often overshadowing his offensive capabilities. Concerns regarding consistent motivation and defensive effort have been raised, particularly during his tenures in Phoenix and Portland. While talented, critics point to moments where his engagement appeared inconsistent. Furthermore, his injury history, including calf strains, back issues, and ankle problems, is a factor to monitor, as he has played 63 or more games in a season only three times. The Lakers are betting on Ayton’s potential and motivation being high playing for a historic franchise alongside superstars, hoping he can harness his full capabilities.
Broader Context for the Lakers
The Deandre Ayton signing occurs within a complex period for the Lakers. Superstar LeBron James recently opted into his contract, signaling his desire to compete for championships now while acknowledging the team is also building for the future. His agent, Rich Paul, conveyed this sentiment, stating James wants to make his remaining seasons count and that the Lakers understand and support this goal.
Acquiring Ayton addresses the most immediate need in balancing present competitiveness with future planning – securing a competent center. With the center position checked off their list, the Lakers can now assess other potential roster adjustments or depth signings to round out the team around their core players. Other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks (before acquiring Myles Turner) and the Indiana Pacers (who once signed Ayton to a restricted free agent offer sheet), had also reportedly expressed interest, highlighting Ayton’s value on the market despite the buyout.
This move represents a calculated risk and a significant commitment for the Lakers. They are acquiring a talented big man with proven production but also with historical questions about consistency and health. If Ayton can thrive in the Lakers’ environment and alongside Dončić, he could be a crucial piece in their immediate championship aspirations and future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the financial details of Deandre Ayton’s contract with the Lakers?
Deandre Ayton agreed to a two-year deal worth a total of $16.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. The contract includes a player option for the second year (2026-27). For the upcoming 2025-26 season, Ayton will earn $8.1 million directly from the Lakers, utilizing the remainder of the team’s Mid-Level Exception. Additionally, as part of his recent buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton is set to receive approximately $25.6 million, bringing his total earnings for the 2025-26 season to around $33.7 million.
Why did the Lakers prioritize signing a center like Deandre Ayton this offseason?
The Lakers made acquiring a center their top free agency priority due to the team’s struggles at the position last season. They notably lacked a consistent presence in the paint for scoring, rebounding, and defense. Their issues were highlighted in the playoffs when they were outrebounded and outplayed by opposing bigs, leading to starting center Jaxson Hayes being benched in the final game. Ayton’s size, double-double production ability, and fit as a lob threat for Luka Dončić were seen as crucial elements to address these deficiencies and provide much-needed frontcourt depth and impact.
What does Deandre Ayton bring to the Lakers, and what are the potential concerns?
Deandre Ayton brings proven offensive talent and efficient scoring from the post and as a roll man, along with consistent rebounding numbers. His ability to finish lobs is a valuable asset, particularly playing alongside elite passers like Luka Dončić. However, potential concerns include questions about his consistent motivation and defensive effort throughout games, which have been noted previously in his career. Additionally, Ayton has faced injury issues in recent seasons, limiting his availability, most notably playing only 40 games last year. The Lakers are hoping a new environment will help him play with maximum engagement and stay healthy.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ signing of Deandre Ayton represents a significant step in fortifying their roster for the coming season. By adding a talented, proven scorer and rebounder at the center position, they address a critical vulnerability that plagued the team last year. While questions about Ayton’s consistency and health persist, his fit with Luka Dončić and the opportunity for a fresh start with a championship-focused franchise provide ample reason for optimism. This move checks off the Lakers’ biggest free agency need and sets the stage for their push to compete immediately while continuing to build for the future around their star power.
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