The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move in the free market by signing former Suns and Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal, with the second year being a player option. This signing not only fills the void in the paint but also indicates the Lakers’ strategy for the future in the “post-Davis era.” Ayton’s addition is set to bring profound changes to the team’s offensive and defensive systems, tactical deployment, and overall development moving forward.
Ayton’s signing came after a buyout agreement was reached with the Trail Blazers in the free market. Even though his market value seems to have declined, it still garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Knicks, Clippers, Bucks, and Nets. The Los Angeles Lakers were able to complete this signing quickly due to Ayton’s clearly defined role within the team, coupled with a reasonable salary structure. Additionally, the star power of LeBron James and Luka Dončić is not to be underestimated. The contract is valued at approximately $33.7 million over two years. While it may not reach the max salary level, it brings the Lakers a legitimate center capable of anchoring the paint.
In 2021, Ayton stepped onto the court as the starting center for the Suns in the Finals, showcasing exceptional skills in pick-and-roll situations and finishing at the rim, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various tactical demands. Despite his inconsistent performances with the Trail Blazers, he still managed to put up impressive stats, averaging 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and a shooting percentage of 59%. These numbers place him at a solid mid-tier level in the current league. While his shot-blocking abilities could use some improvement, he excels at rim protection and rebounding, showing a solid sense of positioning. Given the right environment, there’s potential for Ayton’s competitiveness to be reignited.
In the strategic setup against Dončić, the Lakers urgently need a player who can effectively set screens without demanding ball control and can also contribute defensively in the paint. Deandre Ayton is the perfect fit for this role. Particularly considering the inexperienced backup big like Jaxson Hayes, Ayton stands out as the only true center capable of consistently logging over 30 minutes on the court. His previous pairing with Chris Paul on the Suns has made their pick-and-roll execution incredibly efficient. With Dončić now on board, Ayton’s offensive pathways will become clearer, providing the Lakers with another center option apart from Davis. From a tactical standpoint, the Los Angeles Lakers can craft a more diverse offensive strategy, allowing Ayton to function both as a scoring finisher and a support point for initiating plays, thus bringing greater flexibility to the team’s offense.
In the free agency market of 2025, the options for centers are quite limited. The addition of Ayton is undoubtedly a perfect solution for the Lakers to address their interior issues. With his Finals experience and ability to log over 30 minutes on the court, he lays a solid foundation for a long-term partnership with Dončić in the future.
While Deandre Ayton’s career has been marked by debate over his mindset and motivation, the Los Angeles Lakers have a long-standing culture of rehabilitating stars. In the past, players like Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, and D’Angelo Russell have come here seeking transformation. If Ayton can adapt to a new role, enhance his defensive intensity, and collaborate with star players, he will have the chance to help the team return to playoff contention.
The flexibility of this contract is its greatest advantage. The Los Angeles Lakers chose not to offer a maximum salary but instead utilized the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, ensuring future flexibility in both the free agency market and trades. If Ayton performs well, he has the option to opt out of the contract in the second year, allowing the Lakers to either extend his deal early or trade him based on their performance, all while maintaining competitiveness and operational flexibility. This approach perfectly aligns with Rob Pelinka’s “dual-line operation” philosophy, balancing immediate impact with long-term planning.
