The Los Angeles Lakers have made one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 NBA offseason, securing former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton on a two-year, $16.2 million deal. This acquisition, following his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, is already being widely praised as a high-upside, low-risk signing that could significantly bolster the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
A Much-Needed Frontcourt Solution
After trading away Anthony Davis in the deal that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, the Lakers were left with a significant void in their frontcourt.
While the Doncic acquisition undoubtedly provided an offensive boost, the team’s interior presence suffered. The signing of Ayton directly addresses this critical need, providing a legitimate starting center with a proven ability to rebound, finish around the rim, and protect the paint. His addition, alongside the re-signing of Jaxson Hayes for depth, solidifies the Lakers’ big-man rotation.
A “Steal” at the Price
Analysts, including Ben Rohrbach of Yahoo Sports, have lauded the deal as one of the best value signings of the summer. Despite some criticisms regarding Ayton’s past commitment levels, the fact remains that the Lakers are getting a 26-year-old former No. 1 pick who has averaged a double-double throughout his seven-year career. Portland paid a significant portion of his previous contract through the buyout, allowing the Lakers to secure him for a remarkably team-friendly $16.2 million over two years (or potentially $16.6 million, depending on reports). This favorable contract allows the Lakers flexibility while adding a player with immense potential.
The Luka-Ayton Connection: A Potential Goldmine
One of the most intriguing aspects of this signing is the potential synergy between DeAndre Ayton and Luka Doncic. Ayton himself cited the opportunity to play alongside Doncic, whom he considers the best playmaker in the NBA, as a major factor in choosing the Lakers. Having previously thrived with elite passers like Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio, Ayton’s pick-and-roll prowess and ability to finish at the rim are expected to be greatly enhanced by Doncic’s exceptional passing. This connection could unlock a new level of offensive efficiency for the Lakers, providing easy looks for Ayton and forcing defenses to make difficult choices.
A Chance for Redemption and a New Drive
Ayton’s tenure in Portland was marked by underperformance and questions about his motivation. However, the move to Los Angeles offers a fresh start and a chance for him to reclaim the form that saw him play a crucial role in the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run. Ayton has publicly expressed a renewed drive and a desire to be part of a winning culture, stating, “This is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold.
And it’s a platform that I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well.” Playing alongside superstars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, provides Ayton with a high-stakes environment where his contributions will be amplified and his weaknesses potentially masked.
