

The Lakers free agency is starting to heat up. Even if Lebron James isn`t with the team for next season, Los Angeles is reportedly looking to build for the future around Luka Doncic, and reinforcements are coming. According to Shams Charania, the California franchise have officially landed Deandre Ayton, inking a two-year contract that includes a player option in the second season.
LeBron James and Jay-Z have an animated exchange amidst rumours of potentially leaving the Lakers
After clearing waivers from his contract buyout with the Portland Trailblazers, Ayton chose the Lakers, consummating the deal Wednesday evening. The deal is reportedly worth $16.6 million, through the combined payoff with Portland, it would bring his total earnings for next season to $34 million. Ayton will now be that center the Lakers missed so much last year. They let Dorian Finney-Smith go to the Houston Rockets, and that surely was a blow for the team, but with Ayton’s arrival it certainly can be said that the roster is more balanced.
Deandre Ayton’s fit with the Los Angeles Lakers
The former 2018 No. 1 overall pick brings a strong statistical foundation: he’s averaged 10+ rebounds per game in each of his first seven seasons and posted 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds over 40 games last season with the Blazers. Coming off a period of exploring other options like Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and Walker Kessler, the Lakers finally reinforce the center position. Last playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach J.J. Redick lost total faith in the players available at the position, playing the last games of the series practically without a center. This proves the urgency to fill that void.
Ayton’s choice to sign with a framed contender speaks to his desire to play on a winning team, especially after requestiong a buyout. His decision aligns with the Lakers’ titile aspirations; an alignment bolstered by LA’s willingness to absorb his salary under the mid-level exception while remaining within the league’s first luxury-tax apron.
Ayton is a high-risk, high-reward deal for the Lakers
Despite Ayton’s consistent stats, concerns linger about his effort level and locker-room dynamics. During his time in Phoenix and Portland, reports emerged of missed practices, tardiness to meetings and flights, and attitude issues. Critics point to uneven defensive intensity and occasional off-court distractions as potential liabilities.
However, the move by the Lakers may be a calculated gamble by Rob Pelinka, leveraging a former top pick’s upside a ta a team-firendly cost. The organization surely believes the veteran leadership of Lebron James (if he stays in LA), Luka Doncic and J.J. Redick could help Ayton reach his ceiling.
His presence as the starting center for the Lakers should help with rim protection, rebound control, a lob threat and pick-and-roll versatility. If he maximizes his performance and buys into the team-first culture, Ayton could be the final piece needed for a legitimate deep playoff run.
Deandre Ayton’s 2025 season
- 14.4 PPG
- 10.2 RPG
- 1.6 APG
- 17.7 PER (Player Efficiency Rating)
- 2.8 Win Shares
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