EXCLUSIVE: Ayton's $35M Buyout Could Be Lakers' BIGGEST Mistake or GREATEST Steal!
The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical decision regarding former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, who became available in free agency Sunday after finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ayton, 26, had $35.6 million remaining on his expiring contract but agreed to the buyout as Portland focuses on developing young centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen1. The move makes him the most talented center available in a thin free agent market, immediately drawing Lakers interest given their desperate need at the position.
The case for pursuing Ayton appears compelling on paper. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56.6% from the field last season31. Throughout his seven-year career, he maintains impressive averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 59% shooting4. His mobility and lob-catching ability would complement Luka Dončić's playmaking, and both players share agent Bill Duffy.
However, significant red flags surround Ayton's impact on winning. Advanced metrics reveal troubling patterns - Portland scored fewer points and allowed more with him on the floor, posting a negative 6.8 net rating with Ayton playing versus negative 1.7 when he sat3. Similar concerning numbers plagued his final Phoenix season.
The attitude concerns are equally problematic. Ayton has started 391 of his 398 career games and consistently demands significant offensive touches, averaging never fewer than 14.4 points per game3. This approach conflicts with the Lakers' hierarchy featuring Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves as primary options.
The psychological element adds another layer of complexity. Dončić memorably eliminated Phoenix in 2022 with Ayton essentially benched in Game 7's second half3. While no personal animosity exists, the dynamic could prove awkward given Phoenix selected Ayton over Dončić in 2018.
Lakers fans have expressed mixed reactions, with some calling him the "most obvious Laker ever" while others urge caution2. The organization faces pressure from LeBron James to improve the roster significantly or risk his departure.
With only the taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7 million) available, the Lakers must weigh whether Ayton represents a championship-caliber addition or a costly mistake that could derail their title aspirations.