There are quite a few people who are at least somewhat skeptical about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ signing of center Deandre Ayton. He had agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, June 29, and he reportedly left Portland on bad terms.
However, it seems the Lakers are hopeful that Ayton will be the true starting-level center they have been looking for. He’s a proven rim-runner and lob threat, and he can also post up and hit the mid-range jumper, which should allow him to do well alongside Luka Doncic.
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Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks was an assistant with the Trail Blazers during the 2023-24 season, which was Ayton’s first season in Portland. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Brooks actually advocated that L.A. sign Ayton.
“Ayton is said to have had another advocate within the Lakers’ ranks recommending that L.A. sign him: Former Blazers-turned-Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks.”
This seems to carry plenty of weight, as Brooks would know first-hand if Ayton is truly a malcontent or simply someone who needs to be in the right situation.
The seven-footer has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds a game. While the former No. 1 overall pick hasn’t quite lived up to his potential, he has an excellent opportunity to improve his reputation and value this coming season while contributing to a winning team that finished third in the Western Conference just a couple of months ago.
Ayton reportedly signed a two-year deal that will pay him $8.1 million during the 2025-26 season. That deal has a player option for the 2026-27 campaign.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers assistant Scott Brooks advocated for signing of Deandre Ayton