Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.

Scott Brooks, a Lakers assistant coach who was an assistant with the Trail Blazers when Deandre Ayton was there, advocated for L.A. to sign Ayton.

The franchise signed former No.1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, who recently secured a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. This surprise move gives the Lakers a high-upside starting center while preserving the bulk of their tradeable salary assets.