Deandre Ayton to Sign with Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton has agreed to a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported via social media that Ayton will sign a two-year deal worth a total of $16.6 million, with the second year being a player option.

Ayton’s contract with the Portland Trail Blazers was set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, but with $35.6 million remaining on his contract the Blazers and Ayton agreed to a buyout for a reported $25.6 million, saving Portland $10 million. After the buyout Ayton was a free agent, able to sign with any team except Portland.

According to the formula for compensation set-off, the Blazers may save a further $3.4 million off of the obligation they owe to Ayton because of the new contract signing, assuming they retained this right during buyout negotiations.

Ayton averaged 14.4 points 10.2 rebounds in 30.2 minutes per game for the Blazers in 2024-25.