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7h ago

Lakers Sign Deandre Ayton to Two-Year Deal as Starting Center

Los Angeles fills its frontcourt void with a proven double-double force alongside LeBron James in a pivot toward a Luka Doncic-led core.

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Overview

  • The Lakers signed center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with a 2026-27 player option following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers.
  • Ayton is projected to start at center under coach JJ Redick, teaming with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the 2025-26 season.
  • The former No. 1 overall pick has averaged a double-double for seven straight seasons, including 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over the past two years in Portland.
  • Los Angeles navigated limited salary-cap space by leveraging a buyout agreement and the taxpayer mid-level exception to complete the acquisition.
  • General Manager Rob Pelinka identifies adding a starting-caliber big man as the offseason’s top priority to support the team’s championship goals.