The Los Angeles Lakers have made a seismic move in NBA free agency, officially signing center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract. The deal includes a player option for the second season (2026–27), giving Ayton the flexibility to re-enter the market if he chooses, or continue with the Lakers depending on how the partnership unfolds. The Lakers confirmed the signing through an official press release, sparking an avalanche of reactions across the basketball world. Ayton is expected to wear the No. 5 jersey in Los Angeles, ushering in a new chapter of his career in one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The addition of Ayton adds size, athleticism, and scoring versatility to the Lakers’ frontcourt—a move that could have serious implications for the team’s chances in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. While Ayton’s career with the Phoenix Suns was filled with flashes of dominance, his tenure was also marred by inconsistency and questions about his role within the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. Now, in Los Angeles, Ayton has a fresh opportunity to prove that he belongs among the NBA’s elite big men.
Ayton’s deal is seen as a low-risk, high-reward investment for the Lakers, who are looking to reload around LeBron James and Anthony Davis after another season that ended short of championship expectations. While the $8.1 million for the 2025–26 season and $8.5 million player option for 2026–27 may seem like a bargain for a former No. 1 overall pick, the contract structure allows the Lakers financial flexibility while still adding a former 18-and-10 machine to the rotation. For Ayton, the short-term contract offers a chance to rehabilitate his image and reassert his value before potentially hitting the market again in two years.
The move also signals a strategic shift for the Lakers’ front office. After years of prioritizing veteran guards and wings to complement LeBron and Davis, Los Angeles is now taking a calculated gamble on size and youth in Ayton. At 26 years old, the Bahamian-born center brings with him six years of NBA experience, highlighted by a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021 with Phoenix. In that postseason run, Ayton played some of the best basketball of his career, averaging nearly 16 points and 12 rebounds per game on 65% shooting. His ability to rim-run, protect the paint, and finish around the basket makes him a potentially ideal fit alongside the Lakers’ core stars.
Still, there are questions. Ayton’s perceived lack of motor and defensive inconsistency were ongoing criticisms during his time with the Suns and, more recently, with the Portland Trail Blazers. After being traded to Portland in the blockbuster three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee last year, Ayton’s production dipped slightly amid a rebuilding environment. He averaged 15.4 points and 10.1 rebounds in 55 games, but many NBA analysts noted a lack of engagement at times—something the Lakers will need to address quickly if this partnership is to succeed.
The Lakers are betting that the championship culture of Los Angeles, combined with the leadership of LeBron James and the mentorship of Anthony Davis, will help unlock Ayton’s full potential. Davis, in particular, could play a pivotal role in Ayton’s development, offering a unique blend of elite two-way skill and experience that Ayton has not had beside him in previous stops. With Davis often taking on heavy defensive responsibilities, Ayton may be able to focus more on rebounding, rim protection, and playing within his role offensively, potentially maximizing his efficiency without overextending his game.
Moreover, Ayton’s presence allows the Lakers to better manage Davis’ minutes and health. For years, the team has struggled with overreliance on Davis in the paint, often forcing him into unfavorable matchups and risking injury. Ayton provides a legitimate starting-caliber center who can take some of that burden off Davis’ shoulders, while also creating interesting lineup combinations depending on matchups. The Lakers can now mix and match their frontcourt pieces, possibly playing Ayton and Davis together in stretches or staggering their minutes for optimal performance.
From a stylistic standpoint, the Lakers’ offensive game could benefit significantly from Ayton’s screen-setting and ability to finish in the pick-and-roll. With players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent capable of initiating offense, Ayton becomes an immediate lob threat and interior scoring option. He’s also an underrated mid-range shooter, capable of hitting open looks from 10–15 feet, which gives the Lakers added spacing in certain offensive sets.
Defensively, however, Ayton remains a work in progress. He has the tools—size, length, and mobility—to be an elite defender, but has yet to consistently put it all together on that end of the floor. If the Lakers’ coaching staff, led by new head coach JJ Redick, can instill a defensive mindset and build trust with Ayton, the results could be significant. The team’s identity is built around toughness and defensive intensity, and Ayton will need to embrace that ethos to make the most of his opportunity in Los Angeles.
The deal comes at a pivotal moment in the Lakers’ trajectory. With LeBron James reportedly committing to at least one more season and Davis still in his prime, Los Angeles is operating in win-now mode. After a disappointing playoff exit last season, the Lakers were rumored to be active in the trade and free-agent markets, and this signing is proof that the front office is aggressively pursuing talent upgrades. Ayton’s signing may not have the same splashy appeal as some of the league’s supermax deals, but it represents a calculated move that could pay massive dividends—especially if Ayton buys in and plays to his strengths.
The locker room dynamic will also be crucial. Ayton arrives in Los Angeles with something to prove and a reputation to rebuild. His maturity, attitude, and willingness to accept coaching will all be under the microscope in a city where scrutiny never stops. But there’s reason to believe this move could be the turning point in Ayton’s career. A structured environment, a winning culture, and a team with championship aspirations could be the right formula for unlocking the version of Ayton that many envisioned when he was drafted first overall in 2018.
Social media has already exploded with reactions from fans and analysts alike. Some are optimistic, calling it a “steal” and praising the Lakers for getting a high-upside player on a team-friendly deal. Others remain skeptical, pointing to Ayton’s inconsistency and perceived attitude issues as potential red flags. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, but one thing is certain—the pressure is on, and all eyes will be watching how Ayton adjusts to life in Los Angeles.
Ayton’s new jersey number, No. 5, has also generated some buzz. The number was last worn by Talen Horton-Tucker during his stint with the Lakers and carries no long-term iconic legacy in Lakers lore, giving Ayton a fresh slate to create his own impact. It’s a symbolic move for a player hoping to redefine his narrative and establish himself as a core piece on a championship-contending team.
As training camp approaches and rosters begin to take shape, Ayton’s role with the Lakers will become clearer. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his impact on both ends of the floor will be critical to the team’s success. And with a player option built into the second year of his deal, Ayton has every incentive to prove that he’s not only a reliable NBA starter but a player worthy of a long-term commitment.
For now, Lakers Nation can celebrate the acquisition of a former No. 1 pick who still has untapped potential. Whether this signing turns into a major coup or a short-lived experiment will depend on Ayton’s commitment, work ethic, and ability to thrive in one of basketball’s most intense markets. But the opportunity is there, the contract is signed, and Deandre Ayton is officially a Laker.
Let the next chapter begin.
