As NBA free agency opens, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves with a glaring need at center. After struggling mightily in the paint during their playoff exit, Rob Pelinka and the front office have made it clear that shoring up the position is a top priority.
During a recent appearance on SportsCenter, NBA insider Shams Charania discussed the uncertain future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the same segment, Charania also shed light on the team’s offseason priorities — namely, their urgent search for a center.
“When you think about the center position, Rob Pelinka, the president of basketball operations, has been very clear: they want to find one,” Charania said. “Whether it’s someone already on the market or not.”
Names like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela have been floated, but a new — and perhaps more intriguing — option has emerged: Deandre Ayton. The former No. 1 overall pick reached a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend and will become an unrestricted free agent when he clears waivers on Wednesday.
Lakers Eye Former No. 1 Pick Deandre Ayton as Center Search Intensifies
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When that happens, according to Marc Stein, Ayton will be the most desirable center on the open market.
According to Forbes NBA reporter Evan Sidery, there’s “strong mutual interest” between Ayton and the Lakers. The 26-year-old is said to be motivated by a chance to compete for a title, and the opportunity to play alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić is reportedly appealing.
“Expect strong mutual interest between the Lakers and Deandre Ayton when he is officially eligible to sign with a new team,” Sidery wrote. “Ayton wants to join a contender.”
Ayton, despite criticism over inconsistency and injury concerns, remains a capable contributor. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on 56.6% shooting in 40 games with Portland last season. In a larger sample the year prior, he posted 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Shams Charania confirmed the Lakers’ interest, adding that Pelinka is targeting multiple frontcourt options, including Ayton, Lopez, and Capela. Though Ayton’s reputation has taken a hit since his 2021 Finals run with Phoenix, the upside remains — especially if paired with an elite creator like Dončić.
The Lakers lack a true center on their roster and are feeling pressure from both Dončić and James to contend now. Ayton could be the affordable swing worth taking.