The Portland Trail Blazers unexpectedly bought out Deandre Ayton's contract. The former No. 1 overall pick was set to earn $35.5 million in 2025-2026, the final year of his four-year $132 million contract.
That will not be the case now, as Ayton decided to complete his dream move to LA as he signed for the Los Angeles Lakers on a $16.6 million a year deal.
As this move was confirmed last week, much criticism and noise surrounded the Lakers and Ayton, slandering the player's capabilities to perform in a franchise like the Lakers. During his first press conference on Tuesday, Ayton told reporters that the criticism 'fuels him.' In the end, after a difficult time in Portland, Ayton is receiving a new beginning in Los Angeles.
It fuels me. It fuels me up completely. And it's a different type of drive that I've been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold.
Deandre Ayton told the mediaEven though Ayton has had a strong start to his career (16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG), he may have been a little lackluster for a first-round selection pick. He hasn't played in any All-Star Games and hasn't shown the domination he could have delivered to the NBA from Arizona very often. However, the Lakers viewed Ayton as the best candidate for their starting center role.
The facts surrounding Ayton, particularly during the 2024-25 NBA season, speak for themselves. The former No. 1 pick, who stands 7'0″ and weighs 252 pounds, is extremely athletic. He seems to be the perfect addition to the Lakers' puzzle. In addition, he just wrapped off a successful season in Portland, averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on 56.6% shooting.
It was clear that Ayton would jump at the chance to play with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The main issue is that Doncic is a bad defensive player and James has changed, which puts all the pressure on Ayton.
As soon as the Trailblazers bought out Ayton's contract, many NBA analysts and fans predicted that the Lakers would go in for Ayton. For months, the LA based side was in search of a starting center and they finally got one in Ayton. However, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins is yet not sold on the move, and had a clear warning for Ayton in the process.
He better come in with the right mindset, because this could possibly be his last shot…You've got your hands full. This should be a moment where you go in and check yourself and say, 'You know what, I'm about to lock in.' People need to see that you're committed in doing the little things.
Kendrick Perkins said on the Road Trippin podcastWithout even entering the court, the pressure is already getting piled up on the center, which showcases the magnitude of the team Ayton has signed for. There is nowhere to hide, and the star knows it, as he recently stated during a press conference.
The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks selected Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic with the first and third overall picks in the 2018 NBA draft, respectively. They now play together for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ayton is also rather thrilled about it. Before Ayton's team debut, he wasted no time in congratulating Doncic.
He's super ripped and I'm finally glad to be on his side.
Deandre Ayton said as per ESPNTheoretically, they should work well together since Ayton gives Doncic the kind of lob threat he likes in pick-and-roll. There are concerns about what Ayton will contribute to his new team, given that he was a letdown during his two seasons in Portland.
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