The Los Angeles Lakers entered free agency with clear defensive priorities—most notably at the center position, which had been a glaring weakness throughout the 2024–25 NBA season. Now, with a new addition in the frontcourt, the Lakers have taken a significant step toward addressing those issues while also giving LeBron James more support, should he remain with the franchise.
In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram following his departure from the Portland Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton expressed appreciation for his brief time in Rip City while turning his focus toward Los Angeles.
“RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya’ll for welcoming me and my family,” Ayton wrote. “I’ve truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community.”
“Big up to my teammates, ya’ll the realest. To the entire coaching staff—thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya’ll,” he continued. “Thank you to the entire front office and staff, from the facility to the arena. I’m grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey. Trail Blazers, you’ll always have a place in my heart. Lakers—I’M READY. Let’s get to work. #LakeShow.”
Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers covers up his steal of an inbound pass in front of Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers during a 106-105 Trail Blazers win at Intuit Dome on October 30, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
That message now becomes part of the Lakers’ offseason narrative, as they attempt to rebound from what has so far been an underwhelming start to free agency. After missing out on big-name targets like Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, and Myles Turner—and seeing key depth pieces such as Luke Kornet sign elsewhere—general manager Rob Pelinka has finally secured a legitimate starting center.
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While Ayton may not have been Los Angeles’ first choice, his acquisition could prove to be one of the franchise’s most impactful moves of the summer. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Ayton has signed a $16 million contract with the Lakers. Combined with the remainder of his deal from Portland, he is set to earn a total of $34 million for the upcoming season.
At just 26 years old, Ayton brings size, playoff experience, and untapped upside to the Lakers’ frontcourt. A former No. 1 overall pick, he helped lead the Phoenix Suns to multiple deep postseason runs, including an NBA Finals appearance. However, concerns remain about his motor, consistency, and effort—qualities that will be tested under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
Still, with the Lakers eager to return to NBA championship form and LeBron James nearing the final stretch of his career, Ayton’s arrival adds size, skill, and intrigue to a team in urgent need of both.
