NBA Inner Circle Megawatt Suggestion: Los Angeles Lakers Stand Reasonable Chance of Securing DeAndre Ayton
DeAndre Ayton, a free-agent centre, is generating significant interest from the Los Angeles Lakers as they seek to strengthen their frontcourt. Ayton's buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers has left him as one of the top available centres on the market, and the Lakers are among the teams eager to secure his services.
The Lakers' pursuit of Ayton comes amidst their need for a starting centre, with LeBron James having opted into his player option for 2025-26. The team's interest in Ayton suggests a desire to bolster their roster ahead of the new season.
Ayton's departure from Portland was a result of the team's roster composition and salary constraints. With multiple centres, including their recent draft pick Hansen Yang, and a reluctance to take on multi-year contracts, the Blazers decided to buy out Ayton's contract. Ayton, who averaged a career-low-tying 14.4 points per match in the 2022 season, was reportedly seeking a winning environment, which Portland could not offer given their focus on developing a young core.
The Lakers had previously considered options such as Clint Capela and Brook Lopez for their centre position, but both have since found new homes. Ayton's addition to their list of potential signings offers the Lakers a fresh opportunity to address their centre position needs.
While the potential move is still unconfirmed by either team, multiple sources, including ESPN's Shams Charania and NBA insider Chris Haynes, have reported that a match between Ayton and the Lakers is a strong possibility. Haynes has even suggested that Ayton could potentially be paired with Luka Doncic if he joins the Lakers.
However, rumours of indiscipline within the Blazers camp have cast a shadow over Ayton's behaviour. These rumours go against the motto of the Blazers' executive, Chauncey Billups, who believes in the adage, "You can have bad plays, but not bad ways."
As the Lakers continue their search for a centre, the fit between Ayton and the team appears both logical and feasible, given current team needs and Ayton’s desire to join a competitive squad. The Lakers will undoubtedly be hoping that any issues from Ayton's past can be addressed and that he can help propel the team towards title contention.
The Lakers' pursuit of DeAndre Ayton indicates their intent to fortify their roster and address their need for a starting center, particularly with LeBron James opting into his 2025-26 player option. If Ayton joins the Lakers, it offers a fresh opportunity to bolster their frontcourt in the NBA, aligning with Ayton's reported interest in a winning environment.
