The Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced Deandre Ayton on Monday, with General Manager Rob Pelinka describing the 26-year-old center as “an ideal player to add to our current core.”
In a statement announcing the move, Pelinka highlighted Ayton’s blend of size, mobility, and playoff experience as key reasons for pursuing him this offseason.
“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective,” Pelinka said.
The Lakers acquired Ayton after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over 40 games in the 2024–25 season.
Pelinka emphasized how Ayton’s ability to both score and protect the paint addresses vital needs for the Lakers’ roster ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
“Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection,” Pelinka added.
Ayton brings significant postseason experience as well, having started 45 playoff games and playing a crucial role in Phoenix’s run to the 2021 NBA Finals.
“Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations,” Pelinka noted.
The 7-foot Bahamian center is one of just four players — alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic — to average a double-double in each of the past seven seasons.
Ayton has appeared in 398 career games, averaging 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds, while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field.
Originally the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton will now wear jersey No. 5 for Los Angeles as he joins a frontcourt that includes Anthony Davis.
