The Lakers have officially filled their much-needed center spot, agreeing to a two-year, $16.6 million deal with former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, including a player option in Year 2. The signing was first reported by Chris Haynes and confirmed across outlets .
Deandre Ayton’s Career & Recent Form
- 2018 Draft: Selected No. 1 by Phoenix, ahead of Luka Dončić.
- Phoenix Years: Averaged ~16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over five seasons.
- Portland (2023–25): Most recent stats: 14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 1.0 BPG on 56.6% shooting in 40 games.
Strengths: Fit & Skills
- Rim runner & rebounder: 34% of shots at the rim, scoring 82% on those attempts .
- Solid midrange: Can stretch defenses with a smooth jumper.
- Paint presence: Physical rim protector and rebounding force, though just around 1 block per game.
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Challenge: Focus & Commitment
Despite talent, Deandre Ayton has a reputation for lapses in effort. Reports from The Athletic and The New York Post highlight:
- Missed flights, rehab appointments, attitude issues, chair-slamming, and locker-room tantrums.
L.A. hopes coach J.J. Redick and stars LeBron James (in his 23rd season) and Luka Dončić can help tighten his mental focus.
Contract & Cap Details
- Salary deal: $8.3 M per year from Lakers; remainder funded by Blazers buyout.
- Player option: Ayton can return to free agency next summer or re-sign if things go well.
- Cap hit: Lakers used their full mid-level exception, hard-capping at the NBA “apron” ($195.9 M).
What It Means for the Lakers
- Plugged a major hole: Center depth has been a big need for L.A.
- High ceiling, high risk: If Ayton locks in, he gives the Lakers a dominant interior piece.
- Low-risk move: Affordable and flexible, with upside if he performs — or limited downside otherwise.
Outlook for 2025–26
The Lakers are betting big on Ayton finally delivering on his talent. Paired with LeBron, Luka, and coach Redick, the pressure is on him to bring consistent focus and effort. If he does, this could be a game-changing move. If he doesn’t, L.A. still avoids long-term financial risk or a major cap burden.
The Lakers’ signing of Deandre Ayton is a smart, calculated move. He has the skill set to boost their interior, but his mental game must now match his physical gifts. All eyes will be on his focus, fitness, and fit next season in L.A.
