The Los Angeles Lakers’ hunt for a starting center has reached a critical stage and now, one of their final hopes may be slipping away. With Brook Lopez reportedly heading to the Los Angeles Clippers and Clint Capela expected to join the Houston Rockets, Deandre Ayton remains the Lakers’ top free-agent target.
Yet, according to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Milwaukee Bucks have suddenly emerged as a legitimate threat to snatch Ayton away from L.A.
"The Bucks have emerged as a serious candidate in the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes. Milwaukee still has the $14.1M non-tax MLE to spend after inking team-friendly deals with Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., and Taurean Prince. The Bucks could be preparing to make another splash."
"Even if the Bucks make a strong push for Deandre Ayton, the Lakers should still be regarded as the favorites to land his signature. But if it matters to Ayton, Milwaukee can now offer more cash than LA."
That last line is the dagger. While both teams are armed with the same $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Milwaukee’s financial flexibility and willingness to structure favorable deals give them an edge.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have already lost out on multiple targets and are now under pressure to avoid striking out again.
Deandre Ayton is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. Despite a tumultuous season in Portland, which ended in a $25.5 million buyout reportedly triggered by locker room issues and lack of professionalism, Ayton still averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on an efficient 56.6% from the field.
He remains one of the few available bigs who offer both size and upside, and he fits the mold of a long-term starter next to Luka Doncic.
But questions linger. Ayton has long been scrutinized for his motor, consistency, and effort, dating back to his final seasons with the Phoenix Suns. Analysts have wondered whether he can thrive in a pressure-cooker market like Los Angeles, where every move is under a microscope.
That might make Milwaukee a quieter, more stable market where stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been allowed to grow in peace, a more appealing destination.
Still, from a basketball fit standpoint, the Lakers need Ayton more. With Dorian Finney-Smith expected to sign with the Rockets and LeBron James entering his 23rd season, L.A. cannot afford to walk into the season with massive holes in both their wing and frontcourt rotations.
They’ve lost out on every other center on their radar, and Ayton may be their last shot at a significant upgrade.
Should Ayton chase money, the Bucks are increasingly attractive. If he prioritizes role, spotlight, and redemption, the Lakers remain the ideal landing spot. But the clock is ticking, and for Rob Pelinka, missing out on Ayton could be the final straw in what is turning into a disappointing offseason scramble.
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