Overview

• Ayton agreed to a buyout with the Trail Blazers before signing a two-year, $16.6 million deal that includes a 2026–27 player option.
• The 7-foot center will wear No. 5 in Los Angeles and is expected to start, with Jaxson Hayes shifting into a backup role.
• Over his last two seasons in Portland, Ayton averaged 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting 58.3% from the field.
• Facing tight cap constraints, the Lakers utilized the taxpayer midlevel exception to complete the Ayton signing and bolster their interior defense.
• Shared agent ties and reported mutual motivation between Ayton and Luka Doncic are seen as a boost for team chemistry and pick-and-roll efficiency.