Deandre Ayton's buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers on the eve of free agency was a surprise across the NBA and he could find a new team in the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources tell Chris Haynes on NBATV that Ayton signing with the Lakers is "a strong possibility." The Lakers also have interest in Brook Lopez, Clint Capela and Al Horford.
Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30.1 minutes across 40 games with the Blazers. The Blazers have a crowded depth chart at center with Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams and Yang Hansen.
Ayton is represented by Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian. Duffy also represents Luka Doncic, who was the No. 3 pick in 2018 behind Ayton to the Phoenix Suns at No. 1.
Ayton was entering the final season of a four-year, $133 million contract he signed with the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 offseason that the Suns subsequently matched. Ayton had $35.6 million remaining on his contract.
