The Los Angeles Lakers desperately needed size in the paint, and they found their answer in Deandre Ayton. The 7-foot center, who was the number one pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is ready to bring his talents to Hollywood. Whether Ayton’s addition makes the Lakers a title contender remains to be seen, but the big man is clearly excited to don the purple and gold.
How Will Deandre Ayton’s Arrival Impact the Lakers’ Championship Hopes?
On July 6, the Lakers signed Ayton to a reported $16.6 million, two-year deal with a player option for the second season. Just days later, on Tuesday, the Lakers posted a video of an excited Ayton in their practice facility, likely before his introductory press conference.
In the video, Ayton shows off his new No. 5 Lakers jersey with pure enthusiasm. “That’s what I’m talking about. That’s that purple and gold, baby,” Ayton can be heard shouting. He also gives the jersey to his son, who shares the same name as him. Ayton’s son seems to love the jersey too, which is almost as big as he is.
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Coming off two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, who missed the NBA postseason both years, Ayton is eager for a fresh start. With the Lakers, he sees an opportunity to maximize his scoring potential thanks to two elite playmakers: Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
“They (Dončić and James) both averaged about nine assists over their careers, and it’s the way they create for their teammates,” Ayton said during his introductory press conference.
“They turn guys into superstars, make them bigger than their roles, and really important on the floor. Seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience it would be huge for me,” he added.
What Does Ayton Bring to the Lakers’ Frontcourt?
Ayton’s track record speaks for itself. During his time with the Phoenix Suns, he helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2021. He showed he’s an elite rim-running center who can effectively catch and dunk lobs. His experience running pick-and-roll with Chris Paul during his time with the Suns will also benefit him in his new role.
The Lakers faced a major problem during the 2024-25 playoffs: the absence of a true big man. This void was created after trading Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Dončić. That lack of size was one reason they crashed out in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers had no answer for the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert, who recorded his playoff career high of 27 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5. Though not known for his defensive prowess, Ayton can bring the size needed to contest shots in the paint.
Beyond his defensive presence, Ayton’s midrange shooting and ability to score from near the basket can take pressure off Dončić and James. Though he won’t be the primary scorer, his offensive threat will keep opposing defenses honest.
However, Ayton’s two seasons with the Trail Blazers revealed some concerns about consistency, particularly in effort. The Trail Blazers had no elite playmaker to keep him engaged, which may have contributed to these issues.
Having already proven his compatibility with Paul and Devin Booker with the Suns, Ayton has the experience needed to mesh well with the two superstars now wearing Lakers jerseys.
