The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with Deandre Ayton for the upcoming NBA season, according to sources familiar with the matter, as Deandre Ayton signs with Lakers amidst a notable shift in the team’s lineup. Ayton, the former top draft pick, will join LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Los Angeles after leaving the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ayton’s Contract and Team Transition
Two individuals revealed details of the agreement on Wednesday, although they requested anonymity since the move has not been officially announced by either the Lakers or Ayton. Ayton, who was chosen first overall in the 2018 NBA draft—two picks ahead of Luka Doncic—became available as a free agent when the Portland Trail Blazers completed a buyout of his contract last weekend.
This buyout means the Trail Blazers will continue to pay Ayton more than $25 million next season, even as he suits up for the Lakers. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the 2026-27 NBA campaign, offering Ayton flexibility in his future with the franchise. His arrival marks a crucial acquisition for Los Angeles as they address a key roster need.
Roster Changes and Offseason Needs
With the Lakers parting ways with Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas for Luka Doncic, the team had a noticeable deficit in their frontcourt. Ayton’s addition brings a seven-foot presence to the center position, providing a dynamic option above the rim and a reliable target for passes from LeBron James and Doncic. Although Ayton is not typically regarded as a defensive specialist or “stopper,” his size is expected to enhance the Lakers’ interior play.
Ayton’s Career and Background
Turning 27 this month, Ayton began his professional career with the Phoenix Suns and later moved to Portland as part of a large transaction that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. Despite facing challenges and playing for struggling teams in Portland, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over seven NBA seasons, converting 59 percent of his field goal attempts. Last season, he managed to appear in only 40 games for the Trail Blazers due to a strained calf, which caused him to miss the remainder of the schedule starting in February.
Though Ayton has not achieved All-Star status, his consistent double-doubles in points and rebounds over his first seven seasons put him in rare company. The only other player to accomplish this since Dwight Howard, a former Lakers center, is Ayton himself, underlining his reliability as a contributor on both ends of the floor.
Personal and Regional Connections
Ayton brings familiarity with Southern California, having relocated from the Bahamas to San Diego for high school before attending the University of Arizona, and eventually entering the NBA as the Suns’ top selection. This background may aid in his transition to the Lakers, both in terms of location and community ties.
Lakers’ Recent Performance and Need for Ayton
The Lakers faced setbacks following the departure of Anthony Davis, lacking a solid rim protector throughout last season. Jaxson Hayes struggled sufficiently to be benched by head coach JJ Redick during the team’s final two playoff matchups. The consequences were clear in the postseason, where Los Angeles was ousted by Minnesota in five games, including a decisive performance by Rudy Gobert who tallied 27 points and 24 rebounds in the clinching game, while the Lakers played without a traditional center presence.
Potential Impact and Outlook
By signing Deandre Ayton, the Lakers may stabilize their performance in the paint, pairing him with established stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The deal reflects the organization’s intent to strengthen their roster and contend in the upcoming NBA season. With Ayton’s size, rebounding, and scoring ability, fans and analysts will be watching to see how his integration shapes Los Angeles’ fortunes as they pursue deeper playoff success.