**BREAKING NEWS: DeAndre Ayton Signs Four-Year, \$125 Million Deal with the Los Angeles Lakers After Terminating Contract with Portland Trail Blazers**
In one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason, **DeAndre Ayton**, the 7-foot Bahamian center and former No. 1 overall pick, has agreed to a **four-year, \$125 million contract** with the **Los Angeles Lakers**, sources confirm.
The blockbuster deal comes just hours after Ayton **terminated his existing contract with the Portland Trail Blazers**—a surprising and strategic move that now reshapes the landscape of the Western Conference. Ayton, 26, is expected to immediately slot into the starting lineup, adding size, athleticism, and scoring to a Lakers roster determined to contend for another championship in the LeBron James–Anthony Davis era’s twilight years.
—
### A Sudden Departure from Portland
Ayton’s exit from Portland comes after just one full season with the Trail Blazers, following his 2023 trade from the Phoenix Suns. While his stint in Rip City was statistically solid—averaging **17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game**—the team struggled to find consistent success, finishing outside the playoff picture in the competitive Western Conference.
Though Ayton had three years remaining on his contract, sources close to the situation report that both sides reached a **mutual agreement to terminate the deal**, allowing him to pursue a new opportunity via free agency. The Trail Blazers will reportedly receive a modest compensation package through a contract exception and future cap relief, though not nearly what they would’ve received in a trade.
> **”Portland was great to me,”** Ayton said in a statement. **”I appreciate the city, the fans, and my teammates. But when the opportunity to join a franchise like the Lakers came along, and be a part of something bigger—I couldn’t say no.”**
—
### Why the Lakers? Why Now?
Ayton’s decision to join the Lakers wasn’t just about money—though the \$125 million figure makes him one of the highest-paid big men in the league. Multiple sources say he was **drawn to the team’s legacy, leadership, and win-now mentality**.
> **”I’ve always dreamed of playing in the purple and gold,”** Ayton said during his introductory press conference at the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo. **”This is where legends are made. I want to bring championships back to this city.”**
Lakers GM **Rob Pelinka** and head coach **Darvin Ham** were instrumental in securing the deal, reportedly flying to the Bahamas last week to meet Ayton face-to-face. They presented a vision of Ayton anchoring the paint defensively while flourishing in the pick-and-roll alongside guards like **D’Angelo Russell**, **Austin Reaves**, and potentially a returning **LeBron James**, who has yet to announce whether he’ll re-sign for one final season.
> **“This wasn’t just a splashy signing,”** Pelinka said. **“We believe DeAndre Ayton is entering his prime and will thrive in our system. His presence immediately lifts the ceiling of this team.”**
—
### The Fit: Ayton, AD, and the Lakers Frontcourt
One of the biggest questions surrounding Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles is how he’ll mesh with **Anthony Davis**, the Lakers’ franchise cornerstone and defensive anchor. While both play in the frontcourt, the Lakers reportedly envision **Davis sliding back to power forward full-time**, allowing Ayton to handle traditional center duties.
This move addresses one of the team’s long-standing needs: a true, physically dominant big who can handle the rigors of the 5 position, freeing Davis to roam defensively and preserve his body over an 82-game season.
> **“We’re going to be a problem,”** Davis said in a cryptic post on Instagram shortly after the news broke. **“Let’s get to work.”**
—
### Lakers Reload: A Title Window Reopened?
With Ayton in the fold, the Lakers now boast one of the league’s most formidable frontcourts, and insiders believe this signals **a renewed championship push**.
As of today, the Lakers’ projected starting five looks like this:
* **PG**: D’Angelo Russell (or possible trade acquisition)
* **SG**: Austin Reaves
* **SF**: LeBron James (pending contract resolution)
* **PF**: Anthony Davis
* **C**: DeAndre Ayton
In addition to their new core, the Lakers have young talents like **Max Christie** and **Jalen Hood-Schifino**, and are expected to be aggressive in trade talks and free agency to bolster their bench. Pelinka hinted at **“one or two more impactful moves”** before the start of training camp.
> **“We’re not done,”** Pelinka said. **“Championships are the goal. Always.”**
—
### Ayton’s NBA Journey: A New Chapter Begins
DeAndre Ayton entered the NBA in 2018 as the **No. 1 overall pick** by the Phoenix Suns and was part of the team’s 2021 run to the NBA Finals. Despite putting up solid numbers throughout his tenure in Phoenix, questions about his motor, consistency, and role in the Suns’ system persisted.
He was eventually traded to Portland in a multi-team deal that brought **Jrue Holiday** to the Boston Celtics and **Damian Lillard** to Milwaukee. While his time in Portland was productive, it lacked the national spotlight and championship urgency Ayton craved.
Now, Ayton says he’s ready to rewrite his story.
> **”I’ve learned a lot these past few years. I’ve grown—mentally, emotionally, and physically. LA is the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I’m here to win. Period.”**
—
### The Ripple Effect Across the League
Ayton’s move to Los Angeles creates major domino effects across the NBA:
* **Portland**, now devoid of its starting center, may look to accelerate its rebuild, with young bigs like **Duop Reath** and **Kris Murray** likely seeing expanded roles.
* **Phoenix**, Ayton’s original team, faces renewed scrutiny over its long-term decision to move on from their former No. 1 pick.
* **Western Conference contenders** such as Denver, Sacramento, and Golden State will now have to prepare for a Lakers squad that suddenly boasts a terrifying frontcourt duo.
Meanwhile, insiders suggest that **Ayton’s decision to terminate his deal and become a free agent** could inspire a new wave of star player mobility—especially in cases where long-term contracts don’t align with team direction.
> **“It’s a player empowerment era,”** said NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins on ESPN. **“Ayton just showed you can take control of your destiny—get your money, find your fit, and win on your own terms.”**
—
### What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers now have one of the most talented rosters in the league—but questions still remain:
* **Will LeBron James return?** He’s yet to officially commit to the 2025–26 season, but sources say the Ayton signing makes it “very likely” that he’ll re-sign for one more run.
* **Can the Lakers stay healthy?** Injuries have plagued the team the past three seasons, and durability will be key in their title quest.
* **Is a trade brewing?** Rumors continue to swirl about a potential deal involving **D’Angelo Russell**, possibly to acquire another elite wing or backup point guard.
—
### Final Word: A New Era Begins in Los Angeles
With DeAndre Ayton now donning the purple and gold, the Los Angeles Lakers have signaled their intent to go all-in. His size, skill, and renewed hunger could be the missing piece in their quest to return to championship glory.
> **“This is the biggest move of my career,”** Ayton said. **“And I’m going to make sure it’s the best one.”**
**Let the new era begin.
Leave a Reply