The Los Angeles Lakers have officially made one of the biggest moves of the 2025 NBA Free Agency period, signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal with a player option in the second year. The move, coming after Ayton secured a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, instantly reshapes the Lakers’ roster and impacts the playoff race in the Western Conference.
How Ayton Fits with the Lakers’ Star Duo
The Lakers’ pursuit of a legitimate center was no secret. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in February 2025, the team’s offensive prowess skyrocketed, but a glaring void emerged in the frontcourt, particularly on the defensive end and in rebounding. Deandre Ayton, even with his inconsistent motor, addresses this need with his size, rebounding ability, and capacity to finish around the rim.
Offensively, Ayton’s fit with Luka Doncic and LeBron James appears seamless. He provides a strong lob threat, something Doncic has thrived with throughout his career. His mid-range game, when engaged, also offers another dimension. The pick-and-roll with either Doncic or James will be a potent weapon, creating easy scoring opportunities for Ayton and drawing defensive attention away from the perimeter shooters.
Defensively, Ayton’s impact will be crucial. While he isn’t consistently a dominant shot-blocker, his 7-foot frame and ability to rebound will be vital in shoring up the Lakers’ paint defense, which struggled at times last season. The challenge for the Lakers coaching staff will be to consistently motivate Ayton to play with the effort and intensity that made him a foundational piece for the Phoenix Suns in their 2021 Finals run. If they can unlock that version of Ayton, this signing could be a steal at the reported two-year, $16.6 million price tag.
Potential Lakers Starting 5 (2025-26 Season)
With the acquisition of Ayton and previous moves, a potential starting five for the Lakers looks formidable:
- Point Guard: Luka Doncic – The offensive engine, a triple-double threat every night.
- Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves – A reliable scorer and improved shooter who complements Doncic’s playmaking.
- Small Forward: LeBron James – Even at 40, his elite court vision, scoring, and leadership remain indispensable.
- Power Forward: Rui Hachimura – Provides scoring versatility and solid defense. (Though speculation for a stronger big man at PF remains, Hachimura’s improved play could solidify his spot).
- Center: Deandre Ayton – The new anchor in the paint, bringing size, rebounding, and rim-finishing.
This lineup boasts an intriguing blend of star power, shooting, and now, much-needed interior presence.
Impact on the Western Conference
The Western Conference was already a gauntlet, and the Lakers’ signing of Ayton only intensifies the competition. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves will now have to contend with a Lakers squad that has significantly upgraded its frontcourt.
The move immediately makes the Lakers a more balanced team, addressing their glaring weakness from last season after the trade of Anthony Davis. Their ability to compete with physically dominant teams in the West, which was a concern, is now significantly enhanced. While some analysts express skepticism about Ayton’s consistency, his upside on a motivated Lakers team could be a game-changer. The Western Conference playoff race is set to be even more thrilling.
Championship Odds on the Move
Immediately following the Ayton signing, the Lakers’ odds to win the NBA Finals improved modestly. The Lakers moved from approximately +1600 to +1400 at DraftKings Sportsbook, positioning them as the seventh favorite overall and fifth in the Western Conference.
This shift reflects the belief that Ayton’s addition, particularly at a relatively low cost (given his buyout from Portland means the Lakers are only paying him approximately $8.1 million for the 2025-26 season), significantly improves the Lakers’ championship aspirations. If Ayton can consistently perform to his potential and embrace his role alongside James and Doncic, the Lakers could indeed be a legitimate contender for the 2026 NBA championship. The low-risk, high-reward nature of this signing makes it one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
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