Los Angeles, CA — Deandre Ayton has reached an agreement to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year contract, signaling a new chapter in his basketball journey. This deal features a player option, and sources indicate Ayton will earn approximately $34 million in the upcoming season between his contracts with the Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers.
The announcement follows Ayton’s recent buyout with the Trail Blazers, finalized just days prior. His agents initiated discussions with Portland’s front office, emphasizing Ayton’s desire to contribute to a competitive environment. The Blazers acknowledged the growing depth at the center position, creating a mutual understanding that it was time for Ayton to move on.
Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles presents an exciting opportunity for him to establish himself as the starting center, where he will team up with fellow 2018 draft standout Luka Doncic. This partnership is noteworthy, as both players were top-three picks in their draft class, fostering a relationship that has the potential to greatly benefit the Lakers.
After clearing free agency waivers on Wednesday evening, Ayton engaged with multiple interested teams before determining that the Lakers were the best fit. The decision reflects a commitment to winning and collaborating with a strong roster.
Last season, Ayton contributed an average of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 56.6%. He is among a select group of players to have averaged at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons, a feat last achieved by Dwight Howard in the 2004-05 season. Alongside Ayton, athletes such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic have also maintained similar consistency.
Throughout his career, Ayton has established a reputation as a solid leader and mentor, notably helping young big men improve their game. His previous seasons with the Phoenix Suns highlighted this role, as he averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds while showcasing a shooting accuracy of nearly 60%.
However, his time in Portland was marred by injuries, as he played only 40 games last season, marking one of the lowest totals of his career. Over the past two seasons, Ayton appeared in just 95 of 164 potential games, raising questions about his durability.
As he embarks on this new adventure with the Lakers, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how Ayton adapts and contributes to a team eager to reclaim its championship status. With a fresh start and a proven skill set, Ayton’s future looks bright in Los Angeles.