Lakers Finally Landing Center Deandre Ayton Doesn’t Excite Fans: “Play-in Exits for Sure Now”

Center Deandre Ayton was one of the prime targets for the Los Angeles Lakers after he bought his contract out from the Trail Blazers.

Lakers Finally Landing Center Deandre Ayton Doesn’t Excite Fans: “Play-in Exits for Sure Now”

Deandre Ayton signs with the Lakers (Image via FirstSportz)

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Since the Los Angeles Lakers were booted out of the 1st round of the playoffs, fans and analysts have called on the franchise to add a center. With Walker Kessler, Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and most recently Deandre Ayton available, they finally had options.

The Utah Jazz center was the most obvious choice. He is young, has proven he can defend and score when necessary, and, most importantly, grabs a lot of rebounds. However, the price for the 24-year-old was always too steep.

The franchise would have to send future draft picks to make the move, so they were waiting for a positive solution. The Jazz’s trading for Jusuf Nurkic had many believing Kessler would finally move to Los Angeles.

At the same time, 37-year-old Brook Lopez, who, after a lot of rumors, landed in Los Angeles, but signed with the other team. Clint Capela was seen as a possible option, but he preferred to join the Houston Rockets.

On the other hand, Deandre Ayton received a lot of interest from multiple teams needing a center. Finally, as per ESPN’s lead NBA Insider, Shams Charania, the soon-to-be 27-year-old has agreed to become the next Lakers center.

Since his contract was bought out, the Lakers have reportedly signed him to a 2-year, $16.6 million contract with a player option for the 2026-27 season. The average salary of $8.3 million is a major advantage for a franchise struggling with limited cap space.

Fans shake their heads after Lakers sign Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton is a former 1st overall pick who could become a star center playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. However, basketball fans referred to his performances over the past 7 seasons, where his lack of effort stopped him from becoming truly dominant.

They believe if those problems continue, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to look at other options. There is a reason why he was booted out of the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns. Similar reasons are why he fell out of favor with the Portland Trail Blazers, who prefer to go with two young centers.

Some fans are hopeful that Ayton can develop into the center he was projected to be before the 2018 draft. However, his lackluster play so far has the basketball world asking the team questions. Check out some of those examples below.

Deandre Ayton has the tools to become successful wearing the purple and gold. He is athletic, has a soft touch around the rim, can rebound at will, and can be an outstanding shot blocker if he wants. The onus now falls on head coach JJ Redick and the top two players to coax the best out of him.

Lakers building up towards stable future

When negotiating with the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers were under pressure to give up multiple future 1st-round draft picks. In the current 2nd Apron era, it is difficult to build a contending team by just spending money on players.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Blockbet/X)

They need draft picks, and the best way to keep some of their picks is to avoid another trade. By signing Ayton, they avoid sending out those future assets. They also get time to figure out if he is any good.

How the center plays will determine the future of both the franchise as well as himself. If he works out, the franchise can focus on adding other important pieces. If not, they have near about two full years to look at the next option at center.

After all the brickbats GM Rob Pelinka received for not making moves in this offseason, the decisions so far seemingly confirm that the organization is building a future around Luka Doncic, even if it is at the expense of LeBron James’ title hopes.

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