Deandre Ayton’s buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers has sparked immediate speculation about his next destination. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be the frontrunners to acquire the center.
Windhorst explained that with Myles Turner moving to Milwaukee, the Bucks are out of the running for Ayton, which leaves Los Angeles as the likely landing spot. The Lakers have been actively seeking to strengthen their frontcourt, and Ayton fits their needs as a starting center.
“The Lakers were competing with the Bucks for Deandre Ayton, and so this leaves Deandre Ayton to go to the Lakers to be their starting center as a possible ramification of this,” the insider said on ESPN.
Chris Haynes of NBATV noted a “strong possibility” that Ayton will sign with the Lakers, who have explore odptions such as Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and Al Horford. The team is aiming to add size and rebounding to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 40 games last season with Portland. Despite solid production, the Trail Blazers opted for a buyout to clear space for younger big men like Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.
Originally drafted No. 1 overall in 2018, Ayton was under contract through 2025 with a $35.6 million salary in his final year. The buyout with Portland allows him to join a contender without the full financial burden.
If the deal materializes, Ayton would add a strong presence in the paint to a Lakers roster. Los Angeles finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference.
