Deandre Ayton’s brief stint in Portland has officially come to an end. The 26-year-old center is headed to Los Angeles, signing with the Lakers in what marks another major move in the 2025 NBA offseason.
Deandre Ayton Joins Lakers on Team-Friendly Deal
Ayton has agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers, per Jake Fischer. The second year of the contract includes a player option. With the Trail Blazers buying out the remaining $25.6 million on his contract, Ayton makes $33.7 million this season.
It’s a two-year, $16.6 million agreement between Deandre Ayton and Los Angeles, hitting the Lakers’ books for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Player option in Year 2. https://t.co/VvAeVs72cD
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 2, 2025
In an emotional Instagram post following the move, Ayton thanked Portland fans, coaches, and teammates, writing:
“RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya’ll for welcoming me and my family. I’ve truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community. Big up to my teammates, ya’ll the realest✊🏽The entire coaching staff, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya’ll. Thank you to the entire front office and staff from the facility to the arena…I’m grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey. (Trail Blazers), you’ll always have a place in my heart. (Lakers) I’M READY. Let’s get to work 💛”
The move comes at a pivotal time for the Lakers, who are continuing to reshape their roster around LeBron James and Luka Dončić. The latter joined the franchise earlier this summer in a blockbuster trade. With Ayton now slotted in at center, the Lakers have a more balanced starting five, including Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Filling a Void Beside Luka Dončić
Ayton’s arrival directly addresses one of LA’s most pressing needs: a reliable pick-and-roll partner and interior presence next to Luka Dončić. The Slovenian superstar, who reportedly prefers playing alongside athletic bigs, had limited options after the team failed to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams last season. The Lakers ultimately settled for Jaxson Hayes, but the front office never stopped exploring upgrades.
According to The Athletic, Dončić is “excited” to play with Ayton, who shares the same agent, Bill Duffy. Their pre-existing connection may prove helpful in building chemistry on the floor. While Ayton has not yet made an All-NBA team, he brings playoff experience and solid production to the table.
“Dončić, according to league sources, is excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton.”
per @DanWoikeSports https://t.co/N5quuqRJPS
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) July 2, 2025
Selected No. 1 overall in 2018, Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds on 59.7% shooting. He was a key contributor to Phoenix’s Finals run in 2021, where he averaged a double-double across the postseason. His ability to finish around the rim, rebound, and guard multiple positions could be crucial for a Lakers team looking to return to title contention.
With Ayton in the fold, the Lakers now have a frontcourt that balances star power and functionality, something that’s eluded them in recent years.