The Los Angeles Lakers officially added a major piece to their frontcourt on Sunday, announcing the signing of veteran center Deandre Ayton.
Ayton, 26, joins Los Angeles after spending the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot, 252-pound big man appeared in 40 games — all starts — for Portland during the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game.
Originally the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has quietly built a reputation as a consistent interior force. He’s averaged a double-double in each of his seven NBA seasons, one of only four players to do so over that span, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert and Nikola Vucevic.
Across 398 career games (391 starts) with Phoenix and Portland, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points on 59.0% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 30.8 minutes.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Praises Deandre Ayton After Signing
Ayton brings postseason experience as well, having played in 45 playoff games — all starts — during his time in Phoenix. He played a key role during the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, and remains the only player in NBA history to average at least 15 points while shooting 60% or better in postseason play.
“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection. Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”
Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Trail Blazers. Despite the new contract, Ayton will still earn more than $25 million thanks to the remaining money Portland owed him.
Lakers Star Luka Doncic ‘Eager’ to Play With Deandre Ayton
Ayton will be the starting center for the Lakers, with Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber also expected to be in the rotation. Hayes re-signed this offseason, while Kleber came over as part of the Luka Doncic deal.
Ayton was part of Doncic’s draft class and the two have some familiarity with each other. Dan Woike of The Athletic said Doncic is “eager” to team up with the former top pick.
“Ayton was promising enough of a prospect that the Phoenix Suns have been spared the criticism the Sacramento Kings have lived with ever since they passed on Doncic in that 2018 draft,” Woike said. “The proven success, Ayton’s role on that 2021 Suns team, is one of the reasons why Doncic is eager about teaming up, league sources told The Athletic. The two also share an agency, WME headed by Bill Duffy, and got ready for that 2018 draft in the same hotel room.”
The Lakers added in their announcement that Ayton will wear jersey No. 5 in LA. He previously wore No. 2 with the Blazers and No. 22 with the Suns.
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