Lakers lock in Deandre Ayton to fill center void

The LA Lakers have finally landed their long-coveted center in Deandre Ayton. Shortly after clearing the waivers to become a free agent, Ayton agreed to a deal with the Lakers, as per ESPN's Shams Charania. Charania did not specify the amount of the contract, but pointed out that the former No.1 pick will earn $34 million between Portland and L.A. next season.

According to Charania, the big man signed a two-year deal with the Lakers. His contract includes a player option. The Stein Line's Jake Fischer said Ayton's deal is worth $16.6 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

He also reported that the Blazers still owe him $25.6 million for this season after the contract buyout was complete.

The 7-foot center is viewed as an ideal partner for Doncic because of his athleticism. He's a high percentage shot creator and is the only player to score at least 15 points and shoot at least 60% from the field.

---

Multiple teams reportedly reached out to Ayton

During the days leading up to his free agency, Ayton was a hot commodity in the league. Although not an All-Star center, the big man has shown that he's a decent starting center for a contending team. When he was with the Suns, he proved exactly that.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, there were other teams that reached out to Ayton.

The Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers were all interested in signing him. The Bucks quickly solved their frontcourt issues when they signed Myles Turner.

However, it became clear that Ayton wanted to play for the Lakers and wasted no time signing with them after becoming a free agent.