The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal after he cleared waivers to become a free agent. It was a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lakers, one that both sides need to work out, especially Ayton.
The former No. 1 overall pick spent the past two seasons in Portland after Phoenix traded him in 2023. Ayton and the Trail Blazers agreed to a buyout the day before the official start of free agency, as he had $35.6 million left on his contract. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Ayton and his team "approached the Blazers" about a buyout so that he could sign with a winning team, but there was more to it than that.
Ayton could be the center that Los Angeles needed to pair alongside Luka Doncic, but he could also turn out to be a flop. There is no question about his potential on the floor, but instead, if he can be (and remain) a winning player. Jason Quick of The Athletic wrote that the Trail Blazers "couldn't live with his bad ways" (subscription required)." He was late to practices and flights, missed rehabilitation appointments, and threw tantrums after he was sidelined due to poor effort.
His attitude is what led to his departure from the Suns and Blazers. Now is the time for Ayton to prove that his past doesn't define him, or else he'll be hopping around from team to team on minimum deals until he's out of the NBA entirely.
Signing with Lakers gives Ayton a chance to change the narrative
Ayton went from playing for a rebuilding team in the West to joining one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports. The Lakers were one of the most exciting teams in the second half of last season after acquiring Doncic, but fans' dream of a deep playoff run ended when the Timberwolves eliminated them in the first round.
Los Angeles could be a top team in the conference next season, but it won't be an easy path. Teams like the Rockets and Nuggets loaded up this summer, with the Thunder fresh off a championship. A lot will need to go in the Lakers' favor, including the Ayton signing.
If he can help Los Angeles make the leap that it wants to with Luka and (hopefully) LeBron, it could solidify his status as a long-term piece with the Lakers. If his poor effort and attitude persist, he'll have thrown away his last major opportunity in the NBA as a starting center. His career is on the line.