Los Angeles Lakers on a new deal, according to multiple reports. The former No. 1 overall pick lands in L.A. after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, giving the Lakers a much-needed upgrade at the center position following a relatively quiet start to the 2025 NBA free agency period.
Per Jake Fischer, the deal is a two-year, $16.6 million contract with a player option for the second season. Ayton will make a total of $33.7 million this year — $8.1 million from his Lakers salary and $25.6 million from his Portland buyout.
The move fills a major void in the Lakers’ lineup, where Ayton is expected to join a projected starting five that includes LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves.
Now 27, Ayton gets yet another fresh start. His career has taken several turns since he was dealt to Portland in the blockbuster three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee and Bradley Beal to Phoenix. In that trade, Ayton and second-rounder Toumani Camara went to Portland, while Phoenix received Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson.
Despite showing promise during his time with the Suns — including a critical role during their run to the 2021 NBA Finals — Ayton’s tenure ended amid tensions with head coach Monty Williams, frustrations from Phoenix’s front office over his effort and consistency, and an eventual reluctance to commit to him long-term. The Suns matched a max offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency but ultimately moved on, believing his departure might benefit team chemistry.
Portland didn’t see a huge return on Ayton either. While he posted solid averages over two seasons — 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 56.9% shooting in 31.5 minutes per game — his impact was inconsistent. He flashed dominance in late 2023–24, averaging nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds over his final 25 games, prompting praise from head coach Chauncey Billups. But his performance dipped again last season, highlighted by career-low scoring (14.4 PPG) and free-throw shooting (66.7%).
A left calf injury in February ended his season prematurely, and Portland ultimately moved on, drafting centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen in back-to-back drafts while retaining veterans Robert Williams III and Duop Reath. Unable to find a trade partner willing to absorb his contract, Ayton agreed to give up $10 million of his $35.6 million salary to enter unrestricted free agency and seek a better fit.
Physically, Ayton remains an intriguing talent: a mobile 7-footer with soft touch, elite rebounding instincts, rim protection potential, and rare athleticism for his size. But questions persist about his focus, effort, and ability to maximize those gifts in a supporting role on a contender.
Now, seven years after being drafted first overall, Ayton gets his third chance — this time with the Lakers. Whether he can finally harness his tools and thrive on a team not centered around him remains to be seen. But in L.A., the opportunity is there. Maybe this is the reset he’s needed all along.
Leave a Reply