The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

Deandre Ayton has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple reports. The former No. 1 overall pick finds a new home after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers — and the Lakers find an upgrade at center after the initial rush of signings early in the NBA’s 2025 free-agency period.

Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent after negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.