LOS ANGELES (KYMA, KECY) - Deandre Ayton is heading back to the West but this time, he’ll be suiting up in purple and gold. The former Arizona Wildcat and Phoenix Sun has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after being bought out by Portland, where he spent the past two seasons.
For Ayton, this move is a return to familiar territory. He rose to prominence as a dominant big man at the University of Arizona, later becoming the No. 1 overall pick by the Suns in 2018. Ayton helped lead Phoenix to the NBA Finals in 2021, but his time in the Valley ended in a high-profile trade. Now, he joins a retooled Lakers squad led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James, offering him perhaps the best supporting cast of his career.
After signing with L.A., Ayton thanked the Trail Blazers organization and fanbase via Instagram, writing, “Thank you Portland for everything. Grateful for the journey. Ready for what’s next in LA.” The post comes amid reports of friction in Portland, but Ayton’s message suggests he’s focused on turning the page.
The 26-year-old center still has much to prove and in a city that’s no stranger to star power, Ayton has the chance to redefine his narrative. It’s a new chapter for one of the state's most recognizable basketball names.