The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off what may be the most shocking and savvy move of the NBA offseason—signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton for just \$8.1 million per year. In an era where even role players are commanding eight-figure annual salaries, locking in a 7-footer in his prime with playoff and NBA Finals experience at a bargain price feels like a heist. This isn’t just a good deal; it might be the defining move of the summer, one that transforms the Lakers from hopeful contenders into legitimate threats for a championship run.
For months, the narrative surrounding the Lakers has been one of potential, disappointment, and aging stars. While LeBron James defies time with his elite performances, and Anthony Davis anchors one of the league’s better defenses, the supporting cast has often been inconsistent or injury-prone. The glaring need in the 2024-25 season was size, strength, and consistency at the center position. With Deandre Ayton now in purple and gold, that void has been decisively filled—and at a fraction of what many anticipated.
Ayton, still just 27 years old, brings with him a skill set that perfectly complements the Lakers’ core. He’s a career double-double machine, averaging 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game over his six NBA seasons. He’s shot over 58% from the field and has improved defensively each year. More importantly, he comes with postseason credentials, having played a vital role in the Phoenix Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2021. In those playoffs, Ayton outplayed expectations, averaging 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting a ridiculous 65.8% from the field. He held his own against MVPs and All-Stars alike, proving he could be counted on when it matters most.
That kind of postseason pedigree is invaluable for a Lakers team whose ambitions are always championship-or-bust. The addition of Ayton gives the Lakers a big man who doesn’t just put up numbers but can impact the game on both ends of the court. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, making him an ideal fit alongside LeBron and Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ new superstar acquisition. Ayton can run the floor, protect the rim, and rebound at an elite level—all qualities the Lakers sorely lacked during their first-round playoff exit this past spring.
What makes this move even more surreal is the price tag. \$8.1 million per year for a starting-caliber center of Ayton’s caliber? In a market where centers like Jakob Poeltl and Clint Capela command \$20 million or more annually, Ayton’s deal looks like daylight robbery. Even backup centers are earning more. The contract is reportedly for three years, which means the Lakers have cost-controlled a crucial piece of their rotation through the remainder of LeBron’s current run and deep into Luka’s Lakers tenure.
Ayton’s motivations for accepting such a low figure remain somewhat mysterious. Some speculate he prioritized a fresh start in a major market over money. Others believe he’s betting on himself—figuring that a bounce-back season in L.A. will set him up for a much bigger payday when he hits free agency again at age 30. Whatever the case, the Lakers benefit enormously. The deal gives them not only a talented player but also incredible financial flexibility. They can continue to build around their stars without worrying about luxury tax nightmares or roster restrictions.
From a basketball standpoint, Ayton’s arrival should unlock new lineup possibilities for Lakers head coach JJ Redick. While Davis has often resisted playing center full-time, he’s been most effective when surrounded by versatile bigs who can do the dirty work inside. With Ayton taking on the bulk of those physical responsibilities, Davis can roam defensively and stretch the floor offensively, reducing wear and tear while maximizing his effectiveness. It also allows the Lakers to stagger minutes more effectively, ensuring the frontcourt never becomes a liability.
Ayton’s soft hands, quick feet, and excellent touch around the rim make him a reliable pick-and-roll partner for both LeBron and Luka. He can finish lobs, clean up offensive rebounds, and even knock down mid-range jumpers when left open. Defensively, while he’s not an elite shot-blocker, he’s more than capable of contesting shots, switching onto smaller players, and holding his ground in the post. The Lakers have needed this kind of presence since the departure of Dwight Howard in the 2020 championship season, and Ayton could very well be the most complete big man they’ve had since Pau Gasol.
Another underappreciated aspect of the deal is Ayton’s availability. Outside of the occasional nagging injury, he’s been a relatively durable player throughout his career. In a league where stars seem to miss games regularly due to load management or minor injuries, Ayton’s steady presence is a luxury. With LeBron aging and Davis’s injury history, having a dependable big who can log 30+ minutes a night without complaint is crucial to maintaining momentum throughout the regular season.
There are, of course, critics. Some have pointed to Ayton’s inconsistency in Phoenix and Portland as a red flag. They question his motor, his intensity, and his willingness to embrace a dirty work role. But the counterargument is that Ayton was often miscast in Phoenix’s evolving offense or mismanaged in Portland’s rebuild. In L.A., the roles are clearly defined. He doesn’t have to be the franchise player. He just has to do what he does best—rebound, finish, defend—and the rest will take care of itself.
There’s also the matter of Ayton’s fit in the Lakers’ locker room. Known for having a strong personality, he’ll need to adjust to the high expectations and daily scrutiny that comes with wearing purple and gold. But with veteran leadership from LeBron and Davis, and a young, hungry coach in Redick, the environment might actually be perfect for Ayton’s growth. If the culture is right—and all signs point to it being so—he could thrive in ways fans haven’t seen since his breakout playoff run.
The Lakers, for their part, seem to understand the magnitude of this move. After years of chasing stars and overpaying for limited contributors, this offseason has been about balance and value. Ayton represents both. He’s not just a name; he’s a solution. And at \$8.1 million a year, he’s arguably the best value signing of the last several free agency cycles. While other teams threw big money at unproven talent or aging veterans, the Lakers identified a unique opportunity and pounced. It’s the kind of disciplined front-office move that wins championships.
There’s also a psychological edge that comes with acquiring a former No. 1 pick at such a low cost. It sends a message—not just to fans, but to the rest of the league. The Lakers aren’t just a glamour franchise anymore; they’re smart, strategic, and opportunistic. It reflects well on the new regime, which has been criticized in the past for short-term thinking. This time, they played the long game—and they won.
As training camp looms, the buzz surrounding the Lakers is at a fever pitch. With Luka Dončić ready to take over as the team’s future, LeBron still playing at a high level, and Ayton anchoring the paint, the pieces are starting to fall into place. The bench has depth, the rotation has balance, and the vision is finally coherent. And it all began with a signing that cost less than some teams spend on backup wings.
The Deandre Ayton deal may not have made the loudest headlines when it first broke, but make no mistake—it has the potential to be the most important. If he performs the way many believe he can, this could go down as one of the greatest bargains in modern NBA history. Ayton gets a fresh start. The Lakers get their missing piece. And the rest of the league? They’ve just been put on notice.
