The Lakers finally acquired their big man, DeAndre Ayton, after their failed attempt to trade for Mark Williams back in February, and after two days of free agency, where their only addition had been Jake LaRavia.
Ayton averaged 15.9 points and 10.5 rebounds in 45 playoff games, so with the right attitude, the Lakers could have a strong asset in their chase for an 18th championship.
Check out the social media reaction after the news:
BREAKING: Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka. pic.twitter.com/FUeNAkN19K
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025
It’s a two-year, $16.6 million agreement between Deandre Ayton and Los Angeles, hitting the Lakers’ books for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Player option in Year 2. https://t.co/VvAeVs72cD
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 2, 2025
Sources: Deandre Ayton’s situation is unique. Although his deal with the Lakers is for 2 years, he’ll earn $34M this season b/w Blazers and Lakers with a player option to opt out for a new deal. Strategic move by Ayton to find a much better basketball fit to showcase his talent. pic.twitter.com/gCwUYiBUVs
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 2, 2025
Hard to trust Deandre Ayton. Brings flakey effort and focus. Maybe the Lakers keep him in line, but no one’s been able to so far. Still, by far the best option on the market and they get him for cheap, so he’s easily worth the upside if you get a good stretch out of him.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 2, 2025
35 year old Chris Paul had Deandre Ayton hooping. It’s a prove it year for him if he ever wants another large contract and 26 year old Luka Doncic is his point guard. This is a very good pick up.
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) July 2, 2025
Deandre Ayton on the Lakers is either going to end with a Finals run or a first-round crashout and result in him being “Westbrooked” by the Laker fans.
There is no in between.
— Daniel Rodriguez (@danrodriguez.bsky.social) Jul 2, 2025 at 23:53
The JJ Redick-Deandre Ayton pairing has some real comedy potential. Very excited to see how that goes.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) July 2, 2025
Don’t listen to the hate, Deandre Ayton at $8.1m is absurd.
— Showtime Luka (@showtimeluka) July 2, 2025
if luka can save deandre ayton’s legacy we may have to put him in the GOAT convo
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) July 2, 2025
What if I told you we turned D’Angelo Russell and 3 second round picks into Deandre Ayton and Jake Laravia.. pic.twitter.com/82EhFeoLZ8
— 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙗𝙝 ⁶𓅓 (@OVOLakeShow) July 2, 2025
Deandre Ayton will average close to 18-11 this season if he buys into playing winning basketball. Just gotta play hard and not get distracted by the Hollywood vibes off the court.
Ayton still has a lot of untapped potential. The physical tools are there but is he mentally ready…
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) July 2, 2025
If the Lakers can get Al Horford for the BAE I still would. That’s just a human being I would really like around Deandre Ayton as he tries to get back on track.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 2, 2025
