The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant addition by signing Deandre Ayton, the former center for the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, to a two-year contract worth $16 million. This move aims to strengthen their frontcourt as the team looks to improve its championship prospects.
Coming into the deal, Ayton is viewed as a promising asset due to his past performances, despite some skepticism surrounding his recent career developments.
Evaluating Ayton’s Contract and Potential Value
NBA analyst Ben Rohrbach praised the Lakers’ decision, ranking Ayton’s contract as one of the standout deals of the summer. At age 26, Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick and has maintained consistent double-double averages over seven seasons, displaying strong productivity for his position.
The Lakers could have done a lot worse than a 26-year-old former No. 1 overall draft pick who has averaged a double-double in each of his first seven seasons in the NBA,
Rohrbach remarked. However, he also noted the challenges Ayton faced with the Blazers, where he was paid $25.6 million but sat out the entire season due to a poor fit within the team.
Ayton’s Role and Areas for Renewal
The Lakers’ management is hopeful that Ayton will regain the dedication that made him essential during the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals appearance. His potential hinges on renewed focus on rim protection, strong finishing at the basket, effective play in transition, and executing pick-and-roll plays proficiently.
Ayton is particularly valuable as a complementary offensive player, thriving in pick-and-roll situations and using his size to control the paint. His self-awareness of his limitations on offense enables him to contribute effectively without needing to carry the scoring load.
Proven Performance Highlights Ayton’s Impact
In his last active season with the Trail Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and one block per game, boasting a solid 56.6% field goal percentage across 40 games. His experience as a go-to scorer in playoff contexts provides the Lakers with much-needed frontcourt depth and reliability.
This signing could be a crucial component of the Lakers’ strategy to reestablish themselves among the NBA’s elite teams, especially if Ayton flourishes within their system and culture.
Looking Ahead: What Ayton Brings to the Lakers’ Championship Ambitions
The addition of Deandre Ayton not only brings a player with a strong track record but also the hope of reigniting the competitive spark that helped the Suns reach the Finals. For the Lakers, this move signals a serious intent to enhance their roster and push toward title contention in the coming seasons.
If Ayton recommits fully, his blend of size, skill, and experience could provide a valuable boost, reinforcing the Lakers’ frontcourt and complementing their pursuit of NBA glory.