The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, the team announced Monday.

Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.

The franchise signed former No.1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, who recently secured a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. This surprise move gives the Lakers a high-upside starting center while preserving the bulk of their tradeable salary assets.