The Los Angeles Lakers have been relatively quiet so far this offseason. That has not made the fans very happy as they wait for Rob Pelinka to build out a championship contender around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
So far in free agency, the Lakers have signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract. While he's a solid addition, he's not the kind of impact player that can make the necessary improvement for the team to win a title.
While things have started off slowly, the rumors have picked up surrounding Los Angeles.
One of the biggest needs coming into the offseason was finding a legitimate starting center. To this point, the Lakers have been active in the center market.
Deandre Ayton has become a big name attached to Los Angeles. After reaching an agreement on a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton is scheduled to clear waivers on Wednesday evening and will be free to sign with the team of his choosing.
Since the buyout was agreed to, the Lakers have been viewed as Ayton's top destination. However, a new update has been given regarding another team showing interest in signing him.
According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, Los Angeles is now facing competition from the Indiana Pacers to sign Ayton. Of course, Ayton previously signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet with the Pacers a few years back.
"Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton. Don't forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent," Fischer wrote.
Despite facing more competition for Ayton, Fischer did make it clear that the Lakers appear to be the most likely destination for the former No. 1 overall pick.
"The safest forecast remains that Ayton winds up a Laker after clearing waivers."
Ayton is coming off of a solid season with the Trail Blazers. He missed time due to injury, but played in 40 games. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block per game.
At just 26 years old, Ayton is just now entering his true prime. Joining forces with Doncic and James could be of major intrigue to him. That being said, he clearly had previous interest in playing for Indiana as well.
With the big man set to clear waivers in a matter of hours, the rumors surrounding his decision will begin picking up steam throughout the day.
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