OFFICIAL: Lakers Land Deandre Ayton on Two-Year Deal Worth $16.6M—Former No. 1 Pick Set to Wear No. 5 in LA

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant splash in free agency, officially announcing the signing of center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract, bringing the former No. 1 overall pick to the Purple and Gold in hopes of shoring up their frontcourt depth. The deal will pay Ayton $8.1 million for the upcoming 2025-26 season, with a player option worth $8.5 million for the 2026-27 campaign. The 26-year-old Bahamian big man is set to wear jersey No. 5 as he begins a new chapter with one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

For the Lakers, this move signals both a gamble and an opportunity. Ayton, who was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2018, has shown flashes of All-Star potential throughout his career but has also faced criticism for inconsistency, effort concerns, and struggles to live up to lofty expectations. Now, in Los Angeles, Ayton will get the chance to revitalize his career, contribute to a playoff-caliber roster, and prove his doubters wrong under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena.

A Fresh Start for Deandre Ayton

Ayton’s journey to Los Angeles has been anything but conventional. After his rocky tenure in Phoenix, which culminated in an offseason trade to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, Ayton’s stint with the Blazers saw moments of statistical production but did little to change the narrative surrounding his career. Portland, entrenched in a rebuilding phase, provided Ayton the minutes and touches, but questions lingered about his motor, defensive impact, and ability to anchor a winning team.

With career averages of 15.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, Ayton’s raw numbers suggest a capable big man with double-double potential. However, critics argue those stats often lack meaningful impact in high-stakes moments, particularly in the postseason. His brief playoff appearances with Phoenix showcased both his strengths—soft touch around the rim, rebounding ability, mobility—and his weaknesses—defensive lapses, passive stretches, and limited versatility.

The Lakers, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, believe a change of scenery and a clearly defined role within their system can unlock a better version of Ayton. At 7-feet tall with a 7’6″ wingspan, Ayton still possesses the physical tools that made him a top prospect. Los Angeles hopes that surrounding him with veteran leadership, a competitive culture, and championship aspirations will reignite the hunger that scouts saw in his college days at Arizona.

Lakers’ Frontcourt Reinforcements

Los Angeles has faced persistent questions about frontcourt depth behind star big man Anthony Davis. While Davis remains one of the league’s premier two-way forces when healthy, the Lakers have often struggled to find reliable size and interior presence to support him, especially during the grueling regular season. Last season, the Lakers relied heavily on undersized forwards, two-way players, and small-ball lineups that left them vulnerable against teams with elite size and rebounding.

Enter Ayton.

His addition provides immediate size, rebounding, rim protection, and floor-spacing potential—if he’s willing to embrace a complementary role. The Lakers envision Ayton as a valuable rotational piece who can anchor second units, spell Davis in stretches, and, when called upon, play alongside Davis in bigger lineups to combat dominant frontcourts around the league.

Moreover, the structure of Ayton’s contract—a relatively modest $8.1 million for 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27—limits financial risk while offering upside. For context, Ayton previously signed a max contract extension with Phoenix worth over $130 million, but his value has since dipped due to inconsistent production and market perception. The Lakers are betting that a short-term, prove-it deal in a high-profile market will motivate Ayton to elevate his game.

Wearing No. 5: A Symbolic Choice?

Ayton’s decision to wear No. 5 for the Lakers marks a symbolic new beginning. In his previous stops, Ayton donned No. 22 in Phoenix and Portland—a number associated with his draft class status and early career expectations. By switching to No. 5, Ayton signals a break from the past, embracing the opportunity to redefine his narrative in Los Angeles.

Lakers fans, known for their passionate support and high standards, will undoubtedly scrutinize Ayton’s performance from Day 1. Yet, they have also seen redemption stories before—players who arrived in LA with question marks only to thrive under the spotlight. For Ayton, this is a pivotal juncture in his career: a chance to evolve from underwhelming top pick to a respected contributor on a contender.

The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Offseason Strategy

Ayton’s signing aligns with the Lakers’ broader offseason approach of retooling the roster without compromising future flexibility. With LeBron James entering the twilight of his legendary career and Davis continuing as the franchise cornerstone, Los Angeles aims to strike a delicate balance between competing now and building a sustainable core for the post-LeBron era.

Alongside Ayton, the Lakers have pursued veteran role players, perimeter shooting, and defensive upgrades to address last season’s shortcomings. Their 2024-25 campaign ended with a disappointing second-round playoff exit, exposing the need for more size, rim protection, and interior toughness. Ayton checks those boxes—at least on paper.

Additionally, the relatively affordable contract gives the Lakers optionality. If Ayton flourishes, he could opt into the second year, providing continuity. If he exceeds expectations and tests the open market, the Lakers retain financial flexibility to pursue other avenues. It’s a calculated risk, reflective of Pelinka’s measured approach in navigating a competitive Western Conference landscape.

A Defining Season Ahead

For Deandre Ayton, the upcoming season represents more than a new jersey or fresh zip code—it’s a defining moment for his NBA legacy. Once touted as a franchise-changing talent, Ayton’s stock has fluctuated, and skepticism about his drive and ceiling persists. Los Angeles offers both immense pressure and unparalleled opportunity.

The Lakers’ player development staff, renowned for maximizing talent, will work closely with Ayton to refine his game. Emphasis will be placed on defensive awareness, consistency, rim protection, and embracing a blue-collar mentality. Offensively, Ayton’s soft hands, mid-range touch, and finishing ability around the basket remain assets—but he’ll be expected to contribute through hustle plays, screens, rebounds, and second-chance efforts, not just highlight-reel moments.

His relationship with Davis will be crucial. As a defensive anchor and team leader, Davis’ mentorship could guide Ayton’s evolution. If the two big men can coexist effectively—sharing the floor in spurts while Ayton anchors bench units—the Lakers’ frontcourt could transform from a weakness into a strength.

Fan Expectations and Cautious Optimism

Lakers Nation is buzzing with cautious optimism following the announcement. While excitement surrounds Ayton’s physical tools and potential, fans remember past high-profile acquisitions that failed to pan out. The Ayton experiment carries risk, but it also reflects the front office’s willingness to take calculated swings in pursuit of a title.

For Ayton, there’s no hiding in Los Angeles. Every performance will be magnified, every lapse criticized, and every breakout celebrated. Yet, in the city that built legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Pau Gasol, Ayton doesn’t need to be the next superstar—he needs to be a reliable, focused, and impactful contributor on a team with championship ambitions.

The Lakers’ message is clear: The door is open for Deandre Ayton to rewrite his story. It’s now up to him to walk through it—wearing No. 5, carrying expectations, and chasing redemption on one of basketball’s grandest stages.