The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week,

The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract last weekend, and he has agreed to join Doncic and LeBron James on a deal for the upcoming season with a player option for 2026-27. He will be paid more than $25 million by the Blazers while playing for the Lakers next year.

Deandre Ayton spoke to NBA reporters on Tuesday for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The center, who will wear No. 5 with the Lakers, joins Luka Doncic and LeBron James in Los Angeles.