This offseason move could end up being an absolute steal.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 NBA offseason determined to reshape their roster after yet another frustrating playoff exit. General manager Rob Pelinka got things rolling by drafting Arkansas standout Adou Thiero in the second round and followed up by signing veterans Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in free agency. Whether these moves translate into on-court success remains to be seen, but one addition in particular stands out.
Deandre Ayton Could Be L.A.’s Smartest Move This Summer
After the season, it was clear the Lakers needed frontcourt reinforcements. However, with limited cap space, many assumed the team would only be able to bring in veteran minimums or seek out trades. That changed when the Portland Trail Blazers bought out Deandre Ayton just before free agency.
With both sides “not liking where their partnership was heading,” Ayton’s buyout gave the Lakers the unexpected opportunity to land him on a bargain deal. L.A. swooped in with a two-year, $16.2 million contract that includes a player option for the second season at $8.1 million.
It’s rare to see a player with Ayton’s resume — a former No. 1 pick with over 400 NBA games under his belt — sign for that kind of money. But since he gave up $10 million of the $35.6 million Portland owed him, he was willing to accept a lower offer to reset his value.
For just over $8 million per year, the Lakers are getting a seasoned center who still put up 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, despite a dip in efficiency (.566/.188/.667 splits). Even with those numbers, Ayton’s production arguably exceeds the value of his current contract.
There’s also a good chance he takes things up a notch in L.A. Unlike his previous stints alongside solid passers like Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio, Ayton now gets to play with two of the league’s premier facilitators: LeBron James and Luka Doncic. If he can stay healthy and capitalize on their playmaking, an All-Star nod may finally be within reach.
Even if things don’t go exactly as hoped, the low cost and short-term nature of the deal ensure it won’t hamper the Lakers’ future. All signs point to Ayton being the most valuable pickup of the team’s 2025 offseason.
