Deandre Ayton, the Los Angeles Lakers center, shared during his introductory press conference on Tuesday that criticism motivates him to perform better. Speaking to reporters, Ayton expressed that this new chapter with the Lakers provides him with the perfect platform to prove himself and harness his drive.
It fuels me. It fuels me up completely. And it’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold. And it’s a platform I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well. It is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world.
—Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers Center
The Buyout Agreement with Portland Trail Blazers and Contract Details
Before joining the Lakers, Ayton reached a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, his former team. He had been under a seven-year contract set to pay him $35.6 million before entering free agency next summer. The contract buyout paved the way for a new deal in Los Angeles, where he signed a two-year contract worth $16.6 million, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. Ayton will still receive a substantial sum by combining the buyout amount with his current contract earnings.
Challenges Faced During Ayton’s Time with Portland
Ayton’s tenure in Portland was marked by some difficulties that contributed to the buyout. According to reports by Jason Quick of The Athletic, sources from the team indicated behavioral issues such as tardiness to team flights and practices, missing rehabilitation sessions, and visible frustration during games. Fans witnessed incidents like Ayton slamming chairs after being pulled from contests, and staff described instances of locker room tantrums when his effort was questioned.
But in the end, they couldn’t live with his bad ways. The tardiness to team flights and practices, according to a team source. The skipping of rehabilitation appointments. Fans saw him slam chairs when he was taken out of games. And a team source said there were tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort.
—Team Source
Ayton’s Career Performance and Potential for Growth
Despite a promising start to his career with averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, Ayton’s performance has sometimes fallen short of expectations for a first overall draft pick. He has yet to make an All-Star team and has not consistently delivered the level of dominance projected from his collegiate years at Arizona. Nevertheless, Ayton will be entering his 27-year-old season, leaving room for further development and improvement.
Opportunities Await with the Lakers’ Star-Studded Lineup
Ayton’s move to Los Angeles places him alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, both of whom bring championship-level experience and skill. He has been given the starting center role on a Lakers roster that sought a stronger presence in the paint this offseason. This positioning provides Ayton with a valuable opportunity to channel the criticism he has faced into a breakout season, potentially revitalizing his career in a city known for spotlighting <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA talent.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Deandre Ayton?
A. Deandre Ayton will sign a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.
ESPN reported this news on Wednesday night. The agreement includes a player option for Ayton.
Next season, Ayton will receive $34 million between Portland and L.A.