Deandre Ayton set to join Lakers after Trail Blazers buyout: Reports

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms with free agent center Deandre Ayton on Wednesday, just hours after he cleared waivers and officially became an unrestricted free agent, according to media reports.

Ayton hit the market following a mutual agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers to forgo the final year of his contract in exchange for a buyout. Between the remaining money owed by Portland and his new deal with the Lakers, Ayton is expected to make $34 million for the 2025–26 season, ESPN reported.

Despite having seven NBA seasons and 398 games under his belt, Ayton is still just 26 years old, with his birthday coming up on July 23.


The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. Notably, he now joins Lakers star Luka Doncic, who was selected third in that same draft class.

Ayton was named to the 2018–19 All-Rookie First Team and played a key role in the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in a memorable series.

He was later traded to Portland in a three-team deal in September 2023 that also involved Damian Lillard moving to Milwaukee.

Now with the Lakers, Ayton brings a blend of youth, experience, and size to a frontcourt aiming to return to championship contention.