In an extensive offseason move, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Deandre Ayton to a $34 million contract. This all happened before the 2025 NBA Season. Deandre Ayton was on the Lakers’ radar for a long time now. After spending some time with the Portland Trail Blazers, and he is officially under the Lakers’ name.
This contract demonstrates the commitment of the Lakers’ front office to rework their roster following a rocky 2024 season. The Lakers are adding a former No. 1 overall pick and player with playoff experience to expand on the franchise’s championship. The team is also attempting to add some quality around couple of core players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Deandre Ayton Lakers Deal Shakes Up NBA Offseason
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.
Deandre Ayton averaged 18.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game last season, enters Los Angeles at a crucial time. The Lakers needed size, presence in the paint, and youthful energy. Ayton brings all three to the team.
The new Deandre Ayton-Lakers Deal addresses that gap and more. Ayton basically can either anchor the second unit or start in a modern twin-tower approach with AD.
Ayton’s Arrival: Big Expectations and Bigger Reactions
Deandre Ayton’s addition to the Lakers is more than a roster upgrade it’s a declaration. With a $34 million deal, Lakers gets a versatile big man who is battle-tested in the playoffs. He is looking for a chance to redeem himself.
Some fans believe Ayton is the ideal fit an athletic, low-maintenance big who can run the floor, rebound, and finish hard at the rim.
Still, questions about Ayton’s reliability remain, and that could become a concern for the Lakers.
