LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have officially signed 26-year-old center Deandre Ayton, the team announced Sunday, finalizing a two-year, $16.6 million deal that includes a player option for the second season.
Ayton, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, cleared waivers on Wednesday after negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. He ultimately chose the Lakers over multiple teams for an opportunity alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James as the starting center.
Ayton will earn a combined $34 million next season between the Trail Blazers and the Lakers.
“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said.
“Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection. Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”
The signing gives the Lakers a formidable frontcourt upgrade, filling a glaring need at starting center after entering free agency with no true center on the roster.
Since entering the league, Ayton has been one of the NBA’s most consistent interior scorers and rebounders, averaging 16.4 points and 10.4 rebounds while shooting 59% over his seven-year career.
Last season in Portland, Ayton posted 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game across 40 appearances.
Ayton is the only player in NBA history to average at least 15 points per game on over 60% shooting in the playoffs. In 45 playoff games, he averaged 16 points (10.5 rebounds) on 63% shooting.
The Lakers will rely on Ayton heavily this season and his availability will be the biggest factor for their success. He missed 69 games in the last two seasons and hasn’t played at least 70 games since his rookie season.
The Bahamian was the best center in free agency and with most of his cost on the Blazers’ books, his pickup could be ranked amongst the best in the class looking back on it.