Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.

Scott Brooks, a Lakers assistant coach who was an assistant with the Trail Blazers when Deandre Ayton was there, advocated for L.A. to sign Ayton.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move in free agency. The franchise signed former No.1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, who recently secured a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. This surprise move gives the Lakers a high-upside starting center while preserving the bulk of their tradeable salary assets.