The Los Angeles Lakers have vaulted to the front of the line for marquee free agents this summer, first with Damian Lillard and now with Deandre Ayton. Insider Arash Markazi noted on Twitter that the “Lakers [are] among favorites to land Damian Lillard after Bucks waiver” (@ArashMarkazi via @SportingTrib), while Legion Hoops feed teased that Ayton “clears waivers in a couple of hours… He’s deciding between the Lakers and Pacers, per multiple reports.”
Los Angeles Lakers Emerge as Early Favorites for Damian Lillard; Deandre Ayton Weighs L.A. vs. Indiana
Lillard in Purple & Gold?
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After the Milwaukee Bucks elected to waive Lillard to create cap space for Myles Turner’s four‑year, $107 million contract, the nine‑time All‑Star guard finds himself at the center of intense speculation. Lillard, who averaged 24.7 points and 7.3 assists during the 2024–25 season before a torn Achilles in the playoffs, immediately drew “calls from several contending teams,” according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon.
“League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later,” they wrote. For L.A., pairing Dame with Luka Dončić would create one of the most dynamic backcourts in NBA history, provided both stars can stay on the floor and shore up their defensive liabilities.
Ayton’s Final Decision
While Lillard’s spotlight grabs headlines, the Lakers quietly hope to land a second domino in the frontcourt. Legion Hoops’ tweet anticipates Deandre Ayton “deciding between the Lakers and Pacers,” as the former No. 1 overall pick clears waivers following his buyout from Portland. Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Trail Blazers in 2024–25, showcasing the floor‑spacing and rim protection the Lakers sorely lacked in their first‑round exit to Minnesota.
Legendary shooter-turned-coach JJ Redick once praised Ayton’s pick‑and‑roll prowess, calling him “fantastic at punishing mismatches” alongside Chris Paul. That same skill set would mesh well next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis—or even complement Lillard and Dončić in a hypothetical super‑sized core.
Weighing Risk vs. Reward
Both pursuits carry inherent risk. Lillard’s recovery timeline from his Achilles tear is uncertain, and Ayton’s availability hinges on clearing waivers and finalizing a buyout. Yet the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, appears willing to capitalize on two rare opportunities: a championship‑caliber point guard and a top‑flight big man, both at viable price points.
With key targets evaporating on Day 1 of free agency, Los Angeles has repositioned itself as both the early favorite for Dame Time and the frontrunner for Ayton’s signature. If the Lakers can secure even one of these stars—or better yet, both—their title window may swing wildly open.