In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly secured a deal with former Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. According to renowned NBA insider Shams Charania, Ayton has agreed to join the Lakers, marking a significant shift in the league’s power dynamics. This acquisition not only bolsters the Lakers’ frontcourt but also signals their intent to remain championship contenders in an increasingly competitive Western Conference.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has been a cornerstone for the Phoenix Suns over the past six seasons. His tenure in Phoenix saw him evolve from a raw, athletic big man into a polished two-way center capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. Despite some well-documented ups and downs—including contract disputes and occasional friction with the coaching staff—Ayton has consistently been one of the most productive centers in the league. Last season, he averaged a double-double, showcasing his ability to score efficiently, rebound at a high level, and protect the rim.
For the Lakers, this signing addresses a critical need. Since the departure of Anthony Davis’ elite frontcourt partners—such as Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during their 2020 championship run—the team has lacked a true dominant center to complement Davis. While Davis has excelled as a small-ball five, his durability concerns make it risky to rely on him as the sole interior presence. Ayton’s arrival allows Davis to shift back to his more natural power forward position, reducing wear and tear while maximizing his defensive versatility.
The fit between Ayton and the Lakers is intriguing on multiple levels. Offensively, Ayton is one of the most efficient big men in the league, with a soft touch around the rim and a developing mid-range game. He doesn’t need a high volume of shots to be effective, which is perfect for a team with ball-dominant stars like LeBron James and Austin Reaves. His elite pick-and-roll chemistry with Chris Paul in Phoenix suggests he could form a similarly lethal partnership with Lakers’ playmakers, particularly LeBron and D’Angelo Russell. Additionally, Ayton’s ability to run the floor in transition makes him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ preferred uptempo style when LeBron is leading the break.
Defensively, Ayton gives the Lakers something they’ve been missing: a true anchor. While Davis is one of the best defenders in the league, his ability to roam and disrupt passing lanes is amplified when he has a reliable rim protector behind him. Ayton’s size, length, and timing make him a formidable shot-blocker, and his improved defensive IQ over the years allows him to hold his own in switches—a must in today’s perimeter-oriented NBA. With Ayton manning the paint and Davis free to play as a help defender, the Lakers could field one of the most intimidating defensive frontcourts in the league.
From a roster construction standpoint, this move also raises questions about how the Lakers will manage their rotation. Assuming Ayton starts at center, Davis will slide to the four, which likely pushes Rui Hachimura to a sixth-man role—a position where he thrived last season. The Lakers could also explore smaller lineups with Davis at the five and Ayton resting, but the real luxury will be having two elite bigs to deploy in different matchups. Head coach JJ Redick, known for his analytical approach, will have plenty of options to maximize this duo’s potential.
Financially, the details of Ayton’s deal have yet to be disclosed, but it’s safe to assume the Lakers had to get creative. Given their limited cap space, a sign-and-trade with the Suns was likely the mechanism used to facilitate this move. Phoenix, now fully committed to a Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-Jaden Ivey core, may have been willing to part with Ayton for the right package—possibly involving draft compensation or young talent like Jalen Hood-Schifino. Whatever the cost, the Lakers clearly prioritized adding a star-caliber big man to solidify their title aspirations.
For Ayton, this is a fresh start with immense upside. While he had success in Phoenix—including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021—there was always a sense that he was underutilized in their system. The Lakers, with their storied history and win-now mentality, offer him the chance to redefine his career. Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis means more national exposure, more high-leverage moments, and the opportunity to prove he can be the missing piece for a championship team. If he thrives in this role, he could elevate himself into the conversation as one of the league’s elite centers.
The ripple effects of this signing extend beyond just the Lakers. The Western Conference is already stacked with powerhouse teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks. Adding Ayton to the Lakers’ core makes them immediate threats to any contender. The Nuggets, in particular, will have to contend with a much tougher defensive matchup in the paint, while teams like the Warriors and Clippers—who rely on smaller lineups—may struggle to contain the Lakers’ size.
For the Suns, losing Ayton marks the end of an era. Though his relationship with the franchise had its complications, he was a key part of their resurgence over the past few years. Phoenix will now have to rely on Drew Eubanks and possibly another free-agent addition to fill the void at center, but replacing Ayton’s production won’t be easy. This move signals their confidence in a perimeter-oriented approach, but it also leaves them vulnerable against teams with dominant big men.
As for the Lakers, this is yet another bold move in their relentless pursuit of championships. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves to surround LeBron and AD with the right pieces. After a disappointing first-round exit last season, they’ve retooled with a mix of youth, shooting, and now elite size. If healthy, this roster has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
In conclusion, Deandre Ayton’s decision to join the Lakers is a franchise-altering move with far-reaching implications. It strengthens the Lakers’ championship credentials, reshapes the Western Conference hierarchy, and gives Ayton the platform to prove he’s among the NBA’s elite. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see how this new-look roster gels. One thing is certain: the Lakers are all-in, and the rest of the league should be on notice.
