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Los Angeles Lakers Find Their Center In Deandre Ayton

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 5:58 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA offseason with a massive hole at the center position. They filled that void Wednesday evening. They signed veteran Center Deandre Ayton. He will reportedly sign a two-year contract with a player option.

He became available after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers last week. Ayton had a strong season with the Blazers. He averaged 14.4 points per game and 10.2 rebounds during the regular season. Ayton is set to make $34 million next season between Portland and Los Angeles. How will he fit with the Los Angeles Lakers?

Los Angeles Lakers Season Outlook

BREAKING: Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka. pic.twitter.com/FUeNAkN19K

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025

Los Angeles flamed out in the NBA Playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ayton joins a Los Angeles Lakers team that is not as talented as many seem to believe. Regardless, Ayton will fill a position of need for the squad. Luka Doncic , a player LA will look to build around for years to come, plays great with a center that he could toss lobs to. That was the recipe the Dallas Mavericks had when Doncic propelled them to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Final Thoughts

Ayton is the only marquee move the Los Angeles Lakers have made this offseason. LA is reportedly fielding calls on Austin Reaves, and LeBron James has reportedly not been involved in the team’s offseason moves. Doncic, on the other hand, has been kept in the loop. There has been increased noise surrounding a James trade. Only time will tell if there are any teeth to those rumors.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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