The Los Angeles Lakers have been desperately in need of a big man. After the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, the remaining missing piece was a quality center.
This reared its ugly head in the first round of the playoffs, as JJ Redick’s squad was no match for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ length, and were knocked out of the NBA Playoffs in just 5 games.
Entering the offseason, Rob Pelinka was tasked with solving this issue, either through free agency or via another trade.
Names like Walker Kessler kept popping up in rumors, but the Utah Jazz are reportedly asking for two first-round picks and a quality young starter. The Lakers are not exactly rich in trade assets, so this move seemed unlikely to happen.
They then set their sights on free agent Brook Lopez. He wouldn’t be the blockbuster big that fans were dreaming of, but he is a quality and consistent player who would have given the Lakers a reliable source down the stretch.
Well, the crosstown Los Angeles Clippers swooped in when free agency opened and signed him to a two-year, $18 million deal.
Back to the drawing board.
Well, sometimes when you are one of the biggest brands in sports, good fortune just falls in your lap.
On June 30, just a day before NBA Free Agency was set to open, the Portland Trail Blazers opted to release staring center, and former No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton.
Eye emoji.
Los Angeles Lakers Sign Deandre Ayton To Two-Year Deal
All the Lakers had to do was wait for the big man to clear waivers, and then they could entice him to join one of the most desirable franchises in all of sports.
It felt like a foregone conclusion. The need, the fit, and the desire, all fortifying at the same time.
Once Ayton cleared waivers, a deal was quickly struck.
2 years, $16.6 million, with a player option in Year 2. Huge value for the Lakers, and a low-risk, high-reward signing. The Trailblazers will still be paying him $25.6 million this season, due to his buyout.
It's a two-year, $16.6 million agreement between Deandre Ayton and Los Angeles, hitting the Lakers' books for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Player option in Year 2. https://t.co/VvAeVs72cD
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 2, 2025
There were reports of locker room issues in Portland, but on the court, Ayton will be an immediate upgrade at the position, and arguably the best center to put on the Purple and Gold since Dwight Howard (if you consider Anthony Davis a PF).
Check Out Our LA Sports Merch And Support LAFB!
Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game. Getting a player that averages a double-double for $8 million per year is a steal.
JJ Redick will have to instill more discipline so that none of the locker room issues arise, but if he is able to do that, the Los Angeles Lakers are firmly back in the Championship conversation.