The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found a starting-caliber center after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in early February.
On Wednesday, the organization signed former Portland Trail Blazers big man Deandre Ayton.
“Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. “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.”
“The Lakers find their starting center in Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick who is the only player in NBA history to average 15+ points and 60%+ shooting in the postseason. He has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds on 59% shooting over the last seven seasons.”
While Ayton’s low motor has been problematic since entering the league in 2018, there’s no question he’s an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes in the Lakers’ frontcourt.
The Arizona product has spent the last two seasons with the Trail Blazers following a five-year stint with the Phoenix Suns that included an NBA Finals appearance (2021).
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Last year, injuries robbed Ayton of a more impactful campaign with the Chauncey Billups-led Trail Blazers.
However, the 7-foot interior force was still productive in Year 7, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and one block per game in 40 contests, shooting 56.6% from the field.
Now that the Lakers’ star point guard, Luka Doncic, has a legitimate lob threat with experience performing under the bright lights, Los Angeles should feel confident about their chances of advancing further in the postseason next year.
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