The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively seeking to strengthen their frontcourt, making it a top priority this offseason to add depth in the paint.
They addressed that need by signing 26-year-old center Deandre Ayton. Following the signing, team president and general manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the importance of this move and how Ayton’s presence will elevate the rest of the roster.
“Bringing in a center with starting-level talent was our main focus this offseason,” said Pelinka. “We believe Deandre is the perfect fit for what we’re building. His size, mobility, and athleticism give us both scoring and rim protection inside.
“His postseason experience, especially as a starter in the NBA Finals, fits perfectly with our championship vision.”
Ayton’s playoff track record might be one of his most underrated strengths. Over 45 postseason games, he’s averaged 15.9 points and 10.5 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 62.9% from the floor.
After spending his first five NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers shortly before the 2023–24 season. In two years with Portland, he put up averages of 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and one block per game.
The Trail Blazers eventually bought out Ayton’s contract, paving the way for him to join the Lakers on a two-year deal. With an elite playmaker like Luka Doncic running the offense, Ayton is expected to be a key lob target on offense and a force on the boards defensively.
Rebounding was a major weakness for the Lakers last season—they ranked fourth-worst in the league in that category. Ayton aims to help correct that while bolstering both ends of the floor with his size and two-way ability.
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