The Los Angeles Lakers hit again. After just a few months of a league-turned deal for Luka Doncic, they are now winning another high-profile entry by signing free agent center Deandre Ayton. The move formally represents the next chapter of Lakers basketball, with one centering on Don Cic’s talent, and the newly sturdy frontcourt pairing him with Ayton and the still deadly LeBron James.
Ayton joined the Lakers after a short and tough tenure in Portland, averaging 16.7 points and 11 rebounds last season but worked hard to improve the young off-road Trail Blazers ranks. It is generally expected that he pursues contenders in free agency, and Los Angeles offers an ideal combination of opportunity, popularity and ambition.
This signing not only makes the Lakers better on paper—it provides clarity and structure for the team’s future. This is how everything breaks down.
Details of Ayton’s contract
Ayton has agreed to a four-year, $118 million deal with the Lakers, with full assurance, according to league sources. The Lakers combine hat space with logos and trade exceptions created by earlier lineup moves, including Rui Hachimura Departure and a second-draft day deal involving Taurean Prince’s expiration contract. The contract does not include player options, showing a mutual long-term commitment between Ayton, led by GM Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front desk.
“This is where I always wanted to be,” Ayton said in his introductory press conference. “Playing in Los Angeles, being away from the two legends of Luca and Brown and having a real chance to win, that’s everything.”
Doncic weight
Luka Doncic, who is now the face of the Lakers franchise after a blockbuster trade arrived from Dallas earlier this year, praised Ayton’s signing as a big step forward. He may not forget that Ayton won third place in the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year vote, with Doncic winning the award.
“DeAndre will change a lot for us. He brings toughness, rebounding, and transitioning with me. I’ve played with him enough to know he’s a minority. Now I can play with him – that’s a problem for the league.”
Doncic’s enthusiasm echoed a wider range of emotions in the Lakers’ locker room. After the second round of exports to Denver last season, the team needed larger size, edge protection and athleticism. Ayton inspected all three boxes.
The Lakers’ current lineup core
Here is a snapshot of the Lakers’ main personnel entering the 2025-26 season:
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Jarace Walker
- C: DeAndre Ayton
With Doncic dealing with junior game production and Ayton setting up hard screens and cleaning the glasses, the Lakers now have one of the NBA’s most versatile and dynamic inside-out duo. Jarace Walker, acquired in the 2024 draft, added defensive length and toughness at the age of 4. LeBron, 41, is still productive, turning into a deadly outer ball weapon when the wings threatened by the organizers and rims.
Ayton is suitable for Don? and LeBron
While Ayton never became an All-Star game, his strengths have always been related to playing against the Elite Guards. Next to Chris Paul and Devin Booker, he averaged over 18 points per game during his best years in Phoenix. Have Don? i? , Ayton may end up getting a consistent simple bucket from the greatest passers in the game.
During the transition, Ayton can sprint the floor into a sorter, while Doncic choreographs it from behind. During the half-time, it is expected to use a lot of pickups and high and low moves with Ayton and Walker, as well as dribbling handovers for shooters like Reaves and Max Christie. LeBron’s role may shrink in number, but his decisions and later shot creations will remain invaluable.
This frontcourt setting also provides switching for the Lakers’ defense. Ayton isn’t the best shooter in the league, but his verticality and ability to cover space are major assets. His 7’6″ wingspan should help the Lakers hit the ball more effectively than they did in the past season.
From Portland to the spotlight
Ayton’s exit from Portland is not exciting, but it is inevitable. Trail Blazers are rebuilding around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Matas Buzelis. Ayton’s $30 million salary doesn’t match their long-term plans, and reports suggest both sides are open to splits.
Now, in Los Angeles, Ayton joins a team that he won’t be expected to take on the offense, but must take over his role. The expectation shift may be the key to unlocking the All-Star potential.
“In Phoenix and Portland, Deander has never really played a stable long-term role,” said an anonymous Western Conference coach. “He is in and out of the system. In Los Angeles, he knows who the stars are. He just has to be the best version of himself.”
What does this mean for the West
The Western Conference remains cruel. There is Jokic in Denver. Dallas, currently with Anthony Davis, is forming a new identity. Oklahoma City is full of young talents, and Minnesota is not gone. However, the Lakers expressed a comprehensive signal to them with this move.
Unlike the recent “winning” attempt centered only on LeBron and Davis, the Lakers’ version is sustainable. Doncic is 26 years old. Ayton is 27 years old. Jarace Walker is 22 years old. The team now has a young core with real upside, anchored by one of the most experienced leaders in NBA history.
According to ESPN’s free agent report, multiple teams, including Miami and Sacramento, are in discussions with Ayton before choosing Los Angeles.
Successful look
For the Lakers, success in 2025-26 does not simply mean the playoffs. The lineup is for competition. The internal benchmark is the Western Conference Finals or higher finals, especially given the front desk investment and LeBron’s limited window.
But long games are equally important. By pairing Doncic with Ayton, Los Angeles may have a base duo for over 5 years. Their offensive synergy can be fatal, especially if Ayton continues to improve free throw shooting percentage (currently 76%) and develops a more confident face.
Attention and Challenge
Of course, this is not a guaranteed success story. Ayton faces problems with effort and maturity. His electric motors may be inconsistent, and he doesn’t always have a full stretch on defense. If these habits persist, it may thwart the Doncic and Derail chemistry.
In addition, the Lakers’ supporting lineup is still very shallow. Outside Reaves and Christie, they will rely heavily on young, unproven talent and minimal contracts. LeBron or Don? May make them vulnerable.
Nevertheless, this is a calculated risk and a worthwhile risk.
The final thought
DeAndre Ayton signing is more than a roster move. This is a statement. The Lakers have long been a bold swing franchise, again betting, but this time it’s structure and vision. Ayton paired with Doncic and LeBron, providing a rare blend of power, sophistication and experience to Los Angeles.
For Ayton, this is a chance to redeem. For Doncic, it was an opportunity to lead in Hollywood. It was a chance for the Lakers to win and later establish a dynasty.
In the rest of the league? This is a warning.
