Free agent center Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining forces with Luka Dončić, the player selected two spots behind him in the 2018 NBA Draft. The move addresses one of the Lakers’ top offseason priorities: upgrading the frontcourt with a dynamic lob threat who can complement both Dončić and LeBron James.
The Lakers had initially faced challenges in filling the center position, with several potential targets like Steven Adams and Brook Lopez signing with other teams. But after Ayton finalized a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles made a move to bring the former number one overall pick to LA. According to reports, Ayton’s representatives approached Portland about his desire to join a more competitive team, especially as the Blazers continue to invest in their young frontcourt talent.
Ayton started in 391 of his 398 career games with Phoenix (2018 to 2023) and Portland (2023 to 2025), averaging 16.4 points on 59.0% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He is one of only four players, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic, to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of the last seven seasons. Last season with Portland, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on 56.6% shooting over 40 games.
In addition to signing Ayton, the Lakers have re signed center Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes struggled in the Lakers’ first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he showed flashes of potential as a lob target after Dončić’s arrival. The Lakers will likely have Ayton in the starting lineup with Hayes coming off the bench to start the upcoming NBA season.
With Ayton now in the fold, the Lakers are hoping his presence in the paint can elevate them into serious championship contention.
OFFICIAL: Welcome to the Purple & Gold, Deandre pic.twitter.com/XjcjJ5Myh7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 7, 2025
