The Los Angeles Lakers badly need a new starting center. With NBA free agency underway, many of the potential options that they could have pursued have already been signed.
Among those names were Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, who landed with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers respectively.
Despite those two players signing elsewhere, it has become an expected outcome that the Lakers would sign Deandre Ayton. He was recently bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers and is set to clear waivers on Wednesday.
While the expectation has been for Ayton to sign with Los Angeles, the Lakers are now facing new competition for his services.
According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, the Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a potential suitor for Ayton as well. Following the loss of Brook Lopez, the Bucks badly need a center to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"The Bucks have emerged as a serious candidate in the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes," Weinbach wrote. "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."
Weinbach did make it clear that while Milwaukee is a clear competition for Los Angeles, the Bucks should not be viewed as the "favorite" to sign Ayton.
"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."
Ayton is an intriguing player on the market. He has massive potential and talent, but there are major questions about his drive and will to be great.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Trail Blazers, Ayton played in 40 games. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Back in 2023-24, he put up averages of 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
At just 26 years old, Ayton is still very much in his prime. He stands in at 7-foot-0 and 252 pounds with great athleticism and an eye-opening skill set.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up landing and what he's able to do with his new team. The former No. 1 overall pick still has the talent to be a top-five NBA center and it will be interesting to see if he finally realizes his full potential.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.