Basketball fans, have you heard the latest news? It looks like Deandre Ayton, the talented center, has reportedly joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a 2-year contract. This is huge news in the NBA world and has definitely got fans buzzing with excitement.
Ayton is known for his incredible skills on the court, so it will be interesting to see how he fits in with the Lakers and contributes to the team’s success. Would Ayton could be a game-changer for the Lakers?
The deal includes a player option, sources said.
Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Ayton’s agents, Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports, reached the deal with Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka on Wednesday, according to sources.
Ayton finalized a buyout with the Trail Blazers on Sunday night, with his representatives approaching the franchise about his desire to play in a winning situation and understanding the team’s rising number of young centers. Multiple teams reached out to Blazers general manager Joe Cronin to conduct background on Ayton and received strong reviews surrounding Ayton’s leadership and mentoring of big men such as Donovan Clingan.
In Los Angeles, Ayton will slide into the starting center slot, providing an anchor and partner with fellow 2018 top pick Luka Doncic with the Lakers. Ayton and Doncic went Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in the 2018 draft, developing a relationship from that class.
Ayton cleared free agency waivers Wednesday evening and took some time to speak with interested teams before deciding on the Lakers. The Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets all had interest in Ayton, sources said.
So, Lakers fans, get ready to see Ayton in action and cheer on your team as they make a push for the championship with this new addition to the roster!
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