Deandre Ayton is a perfect fit for this Western Conference contender

The 26-year-old center was entering the final year of the $133 million contract he signed in 2022 as a member of the Phoenix Suns. In two years in Portland, Ayton averaged 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Ayton's career production on paper has not been the problem, averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists, while shooting 59% from the field in seven years. The issue has been the lack of substance and physicality despite having the ability to play outside the constructs of a typical center.

The former 2018 first overall pick has shown the ability to be an elite producer when asked to play a complementary role on a functional offense.

When the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021, Ayton averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 65.8% from the field. In the pick-and-roll offense, Devin Booker and Chris Paul greatly helped Ayton convert countless lobs and effortless layups.

When thinking about a situation that could provide easy offense and advantageous circumstances for Ayton, the Los Angeles Lakers are a team that needs a presence in the paint and a playmaking guard who can open up so much for a center.

It was apparent that the Lakers' glaring weakness after sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a package for Luka Doncic was the center position.

Los Angeles did not address the position in the draft, and maybe the front office knew this buyout was on the horizon.

With Ayton now available on the open market, the Lakers should do everything possible to sign the veteran big man.

Although Ayton has been overwhelmingly disappointing in his brief stint with the Trail Blazers, a fresh start with a team with championship aspirations could revitalize a once-promising career.

Doncic, who was in the same draft class as Ayton, has proved that he creates easy shots for his centers throughout his career. Unlike those other centers — Daniel Gafford, Derek Lively, Dwight Powell, amongst others — Ayton has a mid-range shot, which will keep opposing defenses on edge, whether to fall back and defend the lob or stay disciplined near the perimeter.

The playoffs demonstrated how short-handed the Lakers were inside, as Rudy Gobert dominated in Game 5 with 27 points and 24 rebounds, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves clinch the series in quick order.

Los Angeles needs a serviceable center on both ends of the court, and Ayton can be that, and more with Doncic and LeBron James running the offense.

If the Lakers were to add Ayton to the starting lineup, they could be more suited to make a run in the Western Conference.