Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers ‘In Talks’ To Get Another Center After Signing Deandre Ayton

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 5:41 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are “in talks” to get another center after signing Deandre Ayton , according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The Lakers have been linked to Al Horford , who is a free agent, and Phoenix Suns big man Nick Richards.

Lakers Working To Sign Another Free Agent Center https://t.co/lktn8DbBjZ

— RealGM (@RealGM) July 3, 2025

Ayton has agreed to a two-year contract with the Lakers. The deal is for two years and $16.6 million. Between the Portland Trail Blazers and Lakers, Ayton will make $34 million next season.

In 40 games for the Trail Blazers last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56.6% from the field and 66.7% from the free-throw line.

Ayton has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. He helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021.

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. Jaxson Hayes was benched for the second half of Game 4 and all of Game 5.

Los Angeles signed Jake LaRavia after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: