Lakers Implored to Sign Former No. 1 Pick Amid Shocking Buyout originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

One thing that becomes clear each summer is that, no matter how folks around the league see things breaking, there is always going to be a monkey wrench that is thrown into the works. And if you're an NBA team–like the Lakers, for example–it behooves you to remain in position to take advantage of the mess left behind when other teams see their works get wrenched up. 

On Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported a shocking development coming out of Portland, where surprise developments have been routine lately. Center Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is nearing a contract buyout with the Blazers. 

Ayton went to Portland in a trade with the Suns, who opted to pick him out of Arizona No. 1 overall instead of the then-young Slovenian guard Luka Doncic. The Suns and Ayton could not come to an agreement in restricted free agency and he was shipped to Portland in 2023. 

In seven NBA seasons, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. He has struggled to stay healthy–Ayton played 95 games in the past two seasons–but is a very good offensive center. That has Lakers fans immediately scurrying to their keyboards to implore L.A. to sign Ayton to fill the team's glaring big-man gap. 

Ayton has $35.5 million left on his deal in the final year of his contract. He figures to get most, if not all, of that paid out in a buyout. If he is willing to take a minimum deal for this season in hopes of rebuilding his value and returning to free agency next summer, he could be a good fit for the Lakers. '

Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Offensively, at least. The Lakers need some level of rim protection from whomever they add as a center, and though he averages 1.0 blocks per game, he is not much of a defender in the paint. 

Still, the idea of adding his size and offensive skill at a bargain cost had Lakers fans bustling on Sunday. 

"Lakers get Ayton," one fan wrote on X, simply.   

Another Lakers fan account stated, "Lakers could get there (sic) center and not give up any assets!!!"

"It’s so obvious he’s a laker. Lebron and Luka making him average 20-15 a game," another added.

"I swear I saw someone yesterday say that Ayton would sign with the Lakers today. Did they know?" another wondered. 

Again, getting Ayton on the cheap would be a win for the Lakers. Until the need for some defense kicks in, at least.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.

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