What We Know
Deal details: Ayton has agreed to a two‑year contract with the Lakers, including a player option for the second season. He’ll make approximately $16.6 million total, with $8.1 million in the first year. Combined with the buyout from Portland, Ayton is set to earn $34 million for 2025‑26
Buyout and waiver: The Portland Trail Blazers completed a buyout with Ayton on June 29, after which he cleared waivers on July 2 and officially became a free agent
Timing: ESPN reported the signing came through on July 2, 2025, as confirmed by Shams Charania .
Why It Matters
Filling a glaring need: Last season, the Lakers lacked a true center after trading Anthony Davis and struggled with interior presence—most notably, Rudy Gobert outplayed them in the playoffs
Immediate impact: Ayton is expected to slot in as the starting center, bringing elite rim protection, rebounding, and finishing ability. He’ll form a frontcourt trio alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, both of whom have already endorsed his signing
Career résumé: As the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, Ayton has consistently averaged impressive stats—16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and over 59% shooting across his first seven seasons—joining Dwight Howard in that double‑double consistency
Voices from Around the League
Patrick Beverley, former NBA guard, praised the addition, calling Ayton “so tough” and a solid fourth option
Bleacher Report highlighted that Ayton becomes the ninth No. 1 pick to play alongside LeBron
Skeptics remain wary: Kevin O’Connor noted, “Hard to trust Deandre Ayton. Brings flaky effort… but they get him for cheap,” while others see the high-upside potential if he stays focused
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Team Context & Outlook
Role Player(s) Notes
Starting Center Deandre Ayton Anchor and roll, rim protector
Bench Support Jaxson Hayes Re-signed for depth behind Ayton
Frontcourt LeBron, Luka, Ayton New “big three” core
Depth matters: Ayton’s signing allowed the Lakers to re-sign Jaxson Hayes for another year as a backup big man
Cap strategy: The deal fits under the mid‑level exception and keeps room open for potential future moves .
What’s Next?
Rotation clarification: The Lakers are expected to redefine their interior rotation, with Ayton starting and Hayes providing bench relief.
Skill additions: Rumors link Al Horford and other veteran bigs to the team—L.A. is still seeking more frontcourt support
Championship lens: With LeBron aging and Luka ascending, Ayton’s role could be pivotal if he stays healthy, engaged, and locked into the Lakers’ system.
Summary
This move is a significant upgrade at center for the Lakers, pairing Ayton’s elite physical tools with a championship-chasing context. It’s a calculated investment in youth and upside—if things click, this could form the core of a legitimate title-contending unit.
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