Deandre Ayton has agreed to terms on a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple reports. The soon-to-be 27-year-old center will earn $34 million next season, paid by both Portland and Los Angeles, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania also reports that the deal is a two-year contract that includes a player option.
Los Angeles’ new starting center is the only player in NBA history to average 15+ points on 60%+ shooting in the postseason.
It is a monumental signing for the Lakers, who were deprived of consistent production from the center position after trading away Anthony Davis in a package for Luka Doncic.
Ayton provides Los Angeles with a formidable presence in the paint as a rim protector and reliable rebounder. The former 2018 first-overall pick has underwhelmed the last couple of seasons, but his physical tools are unquestioned.
Ayton is seven feet tall and 252 pounds, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 9-foot-3 standing reach, which makes him an intimidating force near the basket. Despite his stature, Ayton is a fluid athlete who is not a prototypical big man. The Arizona product can operate in the mid-range game and find success in open spaces on the floor.
With Doncic and LeBron James running the offense, Ayton will be afforded space along the baseline and in the middle of the paint, allowing him to score in bunches.
If Ayton is willing to fully commit and put in the effort, there is no excuse for him not to average a double-double. He can focus on playing within the offense, as he is not the focal point. Doncic will play a major role in Ayton maximizing his talent and potential.
Los Angeles still has a lot of work to do during this free agency period to elevate itself in the Western Conference. This move alone will not propel them into serious title contention, but with a few more acquisitions, the Lakers can never be counted out with Doncic as the cornerstone player.
This can prove to be the perfect situation for Ayton, who is more likely to be productive on a team with championship aspirations.
