Lakers' Updated Roster, Salary Cap After Rumored Deandre Ayton Contract
Deandre Ayton reportedly is joining the Los Angeles Lakers after his contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that Ayton is expected to sign with the Lakers in free agency.
Los Angeles reportedly is trying to preserve cap space for the future, and it found an affordable option to address its need at center. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, Ayton's contract is a two-year deal worth $16.6 million and has a player option in Year 2.
Before the deal, the Lakers were $67.3 million over the cap and had $19.7 million in first apron space and $31.6 million in second apron space, per Spotrac.
Here's a look at the Lakers' updated roster with the addition of Ayton.
- PG: Luka Dončić, Gabe Vincent, Shake Milton
- SG: Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht
- SF: Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia
- PF: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt
- C: Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko
Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, is coming off a year in which he played just 40 games, putting up a career-low 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
While he hasn't exactly lived up to the contract he was previously on, the Lakers get him at a much cheaper price, so the signing isn't too risky. And considering Los Angeles' need for a center and the somewhat dry free agent market, Ayton might have been the Lakers' best bet.
Though the Lakers found success in the regular season, their lack of depth in the frontcourt meant an early exit in the playoffs. Heading into the offseason, adding a big man was a top priority.
Ayton could also turn things around in Los Angeles. It helps that he'll play alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić, two players known for making those around them play better.
At his best, Ayton is a rim runner capable of putting up big offensive numbers, but even if he isn't at his best with the Lakers, his size and rebounding should help Los Angeles compete for a title.
