The Los Angeles Lakers were searching for a starting center for next season. They are signing former number one overall pick Deandre Ayton. With the acquisition of Luka Doncic last season, they were in desperate need of a big man; now they have one. Is this a good pick-up for LA? How will he look in the purple and gold? Could he revitalize his career? Let’s jump into the signing!
Lakers’ New Big Man
Deandre Ayton was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers two days ago. Ayton was the number one pick back in the 2018 NBA Draft. Now he is taking his talents to LA to play for the Lakers. Over the past seven seasons, Ayton has averaged 16.4 PPG and 10.5 RPG while shooting 59% from the floor. The athletic seven-foot center should benefit from being the 4th option on this team.
How Will He Fit?
He will be an excellent fit for the Lakers. They needed a big one, and he fills the void. He has the ability to score in the paint with a great touch around the rim. He can also spot up in the midrange to space the floor and hit an occasional corner three. What will be key for me is if his motor can run hot enough to play for another title contender. He played for the Phoenix Suns when they made the finals back in 2021.
He has the size and athletic ability to defend the rim at a high level, especially as a help defender/shot blocker. With him playing alongside the top five pick in the 2018 draft, Doncic, expect to see plenty of lobs. In the 2024 playoffs, when the Dallas Mavericks and Doncic advanced to the finals, they completed 57 alley-oop dunks, 15 more than the combined total of the other top lob pass teams in that year’s playoffs, Celtics, Nuggets, Thunder, and Timberwolves. With Ayton being a seven-foot athletic freak, LeBron and Luka should get plenty of assists next season off lobs.
Final Thoughts
I assumed this is where Ayton would end up. His contract with the Lakers is a two-year deal, with a player option in the second year. This is a “prove it” deal for the former number one pick. If Ayton dominates in LA and can be a key contributor on a deep playoff run, he could enter free agency next season and sign a larger deal.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my instant thoughts on the Lakers signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
