New Orleans Pelicans: Why Kelly Olynyk Isn't Shocked With Yves Missi's Inclusion in the 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team 1 Nov 4, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

'All Signs are Pointing in That Direction' – Los Angeles Lakers Named as a Strong Candidate to Land Former No. 1 Pick Free Agent

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 11:06 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the top suitors for Deandre Ayton following his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, and one NBA insider believes there’s a strong chance for the former first overall pick to move to Hollywood.

“That is a strong possibility. Strong possibility. The Lakers already had a plethora of options to look for at the center position in free agency. You had Clint Capela out there. You had Brook Lopez out there,” Chris Haynes said on NBA TV. “Now, you add DeAndre Ayton, all of a sudden, to the equation. If they’re able to land this, which again, sources have told me this is a strong possibility, you will pair him up with Luka Doncic, who was in his draft class.”

“This is Luka’s team. They want to build for him. They want to have guys around the same age that can go where he goes. I think you’re look at the future of what the Lakers are trying to do…He clears waivers Wednesday. All signs are pointing in that direction,” he added.

Portland Trail Blazers Finalizing a Contract Buyout With Deandre Ayton: Report 7 Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots a jump shot during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers badly need a center after their first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, given how they were dominated by Rudy Gobert in Game 5.

Deandre Ayton’s fallout with the Portland Trail Blazers could be a red flag for the Los Angeles Lakers

According to The Athletic’s Jason Quick, the Portland Trail Blazers decided to buy out Deandre Ayton because the team “couldn’t abide with his bad ways,” which might be something to consider if you’re from the Los Angeles Lakers front office.

Apr 5, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“But in the end, they couldn’t live with his bad ways. The tardiness to team flights and practices, according to a team source. The skipping of rehabilitation appointments. Fans saw him slam chairs when he was taken out of games. And a team source said there were tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort,” Quick wrote in his column.

In other news, the Los Angeles Lakers recently signed Jake LaRavia, a Pasadena, California native, to a two-year $12 million contract for their first free agent signing this offseason.