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Deandre Ayton and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-year deal starting at $8.1 million.

Ayton agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers on the eve of free agency. Ayton gave back $10 million of his $35.6 million 2025-26 salary with the Blazers.

The Lakers have been searching for an upgrade at center, which Ayton will help fill.

The Milwaukee Bucks had interest in signing Ayton before they pulled off their deal with Myles Turner.

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30.1 minutes across 40 games with the Blazers. 

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

It’s gonna work perfect like

Andre Drummond !!!!!!!!!!

Davis for LUKA and AYTON feels better

Just as LUKA for DAVIS and FLAG feels better for Mavs

Yes!
We get Luka, they get AD
We get our #1 Draft pick, they get theirs.
We Win Again!

Does LAL have to compensate POR in any way? Why wouldn't Portland have forced him to take a bigger haircut if he was basically able to double-dip for a season by reneging on his contract? (I completely understand this was a mutual decision with the Blazers FO but the Blazers FO is also a dumpster fire looking for a buyer to bail them out, so...).

Portland believes in their Top Pick Center. And want him to shine. No space, no room, no time for ayton

USER0023942 wrote:Does LAL have to compensate POR in any way? Why wouldn't Portland have forced him to take a bigger haircut if he was basically able to double-dip for a season by reneging on his contract? (I completely understand this was a mutual decision with the Blazers FO but the Blazers FO is also a dumpster fire looking for a buyer to bail them out, so...).

There’s no double dipping. Ayton gave up $10M of his scheduled salary for next season and signed for $8.1M for next season with the Lakers. Portland saves $10M and Ayton loses $1.9M but he got to pick his new team.

YourGM99 wrote:

USER0023942 wrote:Does LAL have to compensate POR in any way? Why wouldn't Portland have forced him to take a bigger haircut if he was basically able to double-dip for a season by reneging on his contract? (I completely understand this was a mutual decision with the Blazers FO but the Blazers FO is also a dumpster fire looking for a buyer to bail them out, so...).

There’s no double dipping. Ayton gave up $10M of his scheduled salary for next season and signed for $8.1M for next season with the Lakers. Portland saves $10M and Ayton loses $1.9M but he got to pick his new team.

Lakers are over the 2nd apron. Was this a traded player exception? I don't see how else they could have signed a player for more than the Taxpayer MLE.

For that amount of money it is a solid deal.

Low risk big reward?

LakersLegacy wrote:Davis for LUKA and AYTON feels better

Just as LUKA for DAVIS and FLAG feels better for Mavs

Lol. Copium.