Ayton (calf) agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, NBA reporter Jake Fischer reports.
After a two-year stint with the Blazers, Ayton heads to the Lakers to fill their void at the center position. The veteran big man averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 56.6 percent from the field during the 2024-25 campaign. He probably won't get the post touches he saw in Portland, but he should have more easy dives to the rim where he's fed for easy dunks by Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Ayton (calf) is finalizing a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers on Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Ayton being bought out of his contract makes him a free agent once he clears waivers, and he will likely garner interest from around the league as one of the best centers on the market. The 26-year-old big man played in just 40 games last season and did not make an appearance following the All-Star break due to a calf injury, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes per contest.
Trail Blazers' Deandre Ayton: Not playing in season finale
Rotowire
Ayton (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Lakers.
Ayton didn't log a single appearance for the Trail Blazers since the All-Star break. He ends the season with averages of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game across 40 starts.
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Trail Blazers' Deandre Ayton: Unavailable for Friday
Rotowire
Ayton (calf) won't play in Friday's game against the Warriors.
Ayton hasn't taken the court since Feb. 10 after picking up a left calf strain, and his season is likely over. The Blazers will wrap up the regular season Sunday against the Lakers, though it would seem unlikely that Ayton gains clearance to return for the finale.
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