Deandre Ayton signs with Lakers: center joins Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have found their solution at center. Deandre Ayton has officially joined the California franchise as a free agent, just two days after negotiating his release from the Portland Trail Blazers. The 27-year-old player, who will celebrate his birthday in late July, becomes the new starting center for the Lakers.

BREAKING: 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.pic.twitter.com/FUeNAkN19K

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025

Two-year deal to revive his career

The agreement covers two seasons for $16.6 million, with a player option for the second year. Ayton will receive $8.1 million from the Lakers in 2025-2026, which is the remainder of the mid-level exception after Jake LaRavia’s signing. Portland will pay over $25 million to the player, who agreed to give up $10 million of his $34 million contract to leave Oregon.

This signing addresses the Lakers’ number one priority this summer: finding a center. The team had finished last season by benching Jaxson Hayes during the final six quarters of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, eliminated in the first round of playoffs in five games.

Reunion with Luka Doncic

Ayton will reunite with Luka Doncic, who was selected third in the 2018 draft, two spots after him. According to league sources, Doncic is excited about the opportunity to play alongside Ayton. Both players share the same agent, Bill Duffy, who runs WME Basketball.

Ayton’s arrival fills the Lakers’ most pressing need on offense, providing an elite lob target for LeBron James and Doncic’s passes. Although not known as a premier defender, the 7-footer will bring the size in the paint that the Lakers have been missing since trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Doncic.

Despite his struggles in Portland, where he only played 95 games in two seasons averaging 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds, Ayton remains the only player since Dwight Howard to average a double-double in points and rebounds for his first seven NBA seasons. With career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 59% shooting, he represents a major addition for a team aiming to return to the top.