Deandre Ayton’s unexpected buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers on the eve of free agency has generated significant buzz across the NBA, and it appears he could quickly land with a new team – the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Chris Haynes on NBATV, there’s “a strong possibility” Ayton ends up in Los Angeles, where the Lakers are reportedly interested in bolstering their frontcourt depth.
The team is also considering other veteran big men, including Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and Al Horford.
Ayton, who is represented by agents Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian, averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 30.1 minutes over 40 games last season for the Blazers.
Despite a productive year, Portland’s decision to part ways with Ayton stems in part from their logjam at center, with young bigs Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Yang Hansen all on the roster.
Ayton had one season left on the four-year, $133 million contract he originally signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2022 – a deal that was matched by the Phoenix Suns to retain him at the time.
That final season carried a salary of $35.6 million, which was part of the buyout agreement with Portland. Duffy, notably, also represents Luka Doncic, who was selected third in the 2018 NBA Draft – two spots behind Ayton, who went No. 1 overall.
If he joins the Lakers, Ayton would bring size, scoring, and rebounding to a team still evaluating its long-term roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, with 2027 cap space a known priority.
Deandre Ayton To Lakers Considered 'Strong Possibility' https://t.co/DrjBvEmUew
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 30, 2025
