The Los Angeles Lakers badly need a center heading into the NBA free agency period. It was clear during the playoffs that without a center, the team will have a difficult time competing with the elite teams in the Western Conference.
So far, a lot of rumors have connected the Lakers to players like Brook Lopez and Kevon Looney. Both of those players would be solid pickups, but a new option was made available on Sunday.
That option is none other than former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, who reached a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers to enter free agency.
Immediately after the news of Ayton's buyout his the news cycle, rumors started connecting him to Los Angeles. The fit would make a lot of sense for both parties.
Now, the rumors have received a massive update.
According to a report from NBA reporter Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Lakers and Ayton are expected to have strong mutual interest when he clears waivers on Wednesday.
"Expect strong mutual interest between the Lakers and Deandre Ayton when he is officially eligible to sign with a new team," Sidery wrote. "Ayton wants to join a contender, plus he would love the idea of potentially playing alongside fellow 2018 draft class member Luka Doncic and LeBron James."
Ayton would be exactly the kind of center upgrade Los Angeles needs. He's not a perfect player, but he can rebound at a high level and can also defend the rim decently.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Trail Blazers, Ayton played in 40 games. He averaged 14.4 points per game to go along with 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block, while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor.
Back in the 2023-24 season with Portland, the 26-year-old center averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, a steal, and 0.8 blocks per game in 55 appearances.
There are likely going to be other teams with interest in Ayton as well. He wants to play for a winner, which will thin out the list of potential suitors.
It's worth nothing that Ayton previously signed a major offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers a few years back. The Pacers are expected to re-sign Myles Turner this offseason, but if something happens to change with that situation they could revisit Ayton.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors and rumblings about Ayton in the coming days. This won't be the last time the Lakers are linked with him.
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