The Los Angeles Lakers attacked again. Just a few months after quitting Luka Doncic’s league shift deal, they now landed another high-profile piece by signing free agent center Deandre Ayton. The move officially informs the next chapter of Lakers basketball. One centers on Donsic’s brilliance and a newly reinforced frontcourt that combines him with Ayton and the still deadly LeBron James.
Ayton joined the Lakers after a short but rocky tenure in Portland. He averaged 16.7 points and 11 rebounds per game last season, but struggled to raise the young Trail Blazers’ roster. He is widely expected to pursue candidates in a free agency, and Los Angeles offered the ideal combination of opportunity, visibility and ambition.
This signature not only makes the Lakers better on paper, but also provides clarity and structure for the future of the team. This is how it all falls apart.
Details of Ayton’s contract
According to league sources, Ayton has agreed to a four-year, $118 million contract with the Lakers. The Lakers used a combination of cap space and sign-and-trade exceptions created from previous roster moves, including Rui Hachimura’s departure and a second-draft day deal that included an expired contract for Taurean Prince. The deal does not include player options that demonstrate mutual long-term commitment between Ayton and the Lakers front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka.
“This is where I always want to be,” Aiton said at his introductory press conference. “Next to two legends, Luka and Bron, I have a real chance to play and win in LA. That’s all.”
Doncic’s weight
After arriving from Dallas through a massively hit trade earlier this year, Lakers franchise face Luka Donsic praised Ayton’s signature for being praised as a major step forward. He will likely not forget that Ayton finished third in the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year vote, when Donsic won the award.
“Deandre is going to change a lot for us. He brings toughness, he brings rebounds and he can run down the floor with me.
Donsic’s enthusiasm reflects the wider emotions within the Lakers locker room. After the second round exit to Denver last season, the team needed more size, rim protection and athleticism ahead of time. Ayton checks all three boxes.
Lakers current roster core
Here is a snapshot of the Lakers’ key personnel heading into the 2025-26 season.
- PG: Luka Donccic
- SG: Austin Reeves
- Sci-fi: LeBron James
- PF: Jarace Walker
- C: Deandre Ayton
Donic Handling Primary Playmaking and Ayton Set With hard screens and glass cleaning, the Lakers now have one of the most versatile and dynamic inside out duos in the NBA. Jarace Walker, acquired in the 2024 draft, adds defensive length and toughness to the 4, and Lebron, who is still productive at 41, becomes a lethal off-ball weapon when adjacent to the playmaker and rim threat.
Ayton fit with Donsic and LeBron
Ayton wasn’t a full-fledged All-Star, but his advantage is always tied to playing with elite guards. He averaged over 18 points per game in his best year at Phoenix next to Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Don? I? , Ayton may get a consistent diet of a simple bucket from one of the game’s greatest passersby.
During the transition, Ayton can sprint down the floor as a finisher, while Don Chic orchestrates from behind. On the half court, expect a ton of pick-and-roll and high-low action use on Ayton and Walker, as well as dribbling handoffs for shooters like Reaves and Max Christie. LeBron’s role may be reduced in volume, but his decision-making and creating late shots of the game remain invaluable.
This frontcourt setup offers the Lakers the ability to switch defensively. Ayton is not the best shot blocker in the league, but his verticality and ability to cover space are key assets. His 7’6” wingspan should help Lakers contest shots take more effectively than in previous seasons.
From Portland to Spotlight
Ayton’s exit from Portland was not intense, but it was inevitable. The Trail Blazers are rebuilt around Scoot Henderson, Shedon Sharp and Matas Buzelis. Ayton’s $30 million salary is not consistent with the long-term plan, suggesting that both sides are open to splitting.
Currently in Los Angeles, Ayton joins the team, where he is not expected to carry the offense, but he must dominate his role. A change in expectations could be key to unlocking his All-Star potential.
“In Phoenix and Portland, DeAndre never actually had a stable, long-term role,” said an anonymous Western Conference coach. “He was in and out of the system. In Los Angeles, he knows who the stars are. He has to be the best version of himself.”
What does this mean for the West?
The Western Conference remains brutal. Denver has a joke. Dallas is now forming a new identity with Anthony Davis. Oklahoma City is piled up with young talent, and Minnesota won’t leave either. But the Lakers show that they’re all-in in this move.
Unlike recent “winning” attempts, centered around LeBron and Davis alone, this version of the Lakers has sustainability. Doncic is 26 years old. Ayton is 27 years old. Jarace Walker is 22 years old. The team has a young core from Real Upside, pinned to one of the most experienced leaders in NBA history.
According to ESPN’s Free Agency Reportseveral teams, including Miami and Sacramento, were in discussion with Ayton before choosing Los Angeles.
How did you succeed?
For the Lakers, success in 2025-26 doesn’t mean simply making the playoffs. This roster is built to compete. Especially given the front office investment and LeBron’s limited window, the arrival of the Western Conference Finals will be an internal benchmark.
But longer games are just as important. By combining Doncic and Ayton Now, Los Angeles was able to have a basic duo for over five years. Their aggressive synergy can be fatal. Especially when Ayton continues to improve his free throw shots (currently 76%) and develops a more confident face-up game.
Concerns and challenges
Of course, this is not a guaranteed success story. Ayton faces questions about his efforts and maturity. His motors are inconsistent and he is not always defensively involved for full stretching. If these habits persist, it can irritate the chemistry of dong-chic and derailment.
Furthermore, the Lakers’ supportive cast remains shallow. Outside of Reaves and Christie, they rely heavily on young, unproven talent and minimum contracts. Is LeBron or Don injured? I? They can be left vulnerable.
Still, this is a calculated risk and a valuable risk.
Final Thoughts
Deandre Ayton’s signature is more than a roster move. That’s a declaration. The Lakers, a long-time bold swing franchise, are once again making a big bet, but this time they have structure and foresight. Paired with Don Sic and LeBron, Ayton gives Los Angeles an unusual blend of power, finesse and experience.
For Ayton, this is a chance to redeem. For Doncic, it’s a chance to lead in Hollywood. For the Lakers, it’s a chance to win now and later build a dynasty.
And for the rest of the league? That’s a warning.
