NBA TRADE: Los Angeles Lakers Finally Acquires Trail Blazers Veteran All-Star And Former No1. Overall. As He Brings Size, Scoring And Rebounding To Bolster Front Court Presence After The Departure Of.

LAKERS FREE AGENCY TRADE: Los Angeles Lakers Land Veteran All-Star and Former No. 1 Pick Deandre Ayton to Bolster Frontcourt After Key Departures

In a bold and strategic offseason move, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially acquired veteran All-Star center and former No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton, from the Portland Trail Blazers. The trade marks a significant upgrade for the Lakers’ frontcourt, as they aim to retool their roster and stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.

Ayton, 26, brings immediate impact with his size, scoring ability, and rebounding presence, which will help fill the void left by the departure of several key big men, including Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, both of whom entered free agency this summer. The move signals a clear intent by the Lakers front office to remain aggressive in pursuit of another championship run while continuing to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis with high-caliber talent.

The 6-foot-11 Bahamian big man, who was originally drafted No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2018, spent the 2023-2024 season with Portland following a blockbuster trade that sent him there as part of the Damian Lillard deal. In Portland, Ayton averaged 17.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and over 1 block per game, proving he can still be a dominant force in the paint when given the opportunity.

“Deandre Ayton gives us the frontcourt strength we’ve been missing,” Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said during the announcement. “He’s still in his prime, hungry to win, and ready to embrace a role in a winning culture.”

Ayton’s addition is expected to take pressure off Davis, allowing the Lakers to stagger minutes more effectively and reduce injury risk while enhancing the team’s rebounding and interior defense. His pick-and-roll capabilities and mid-range scoring also add another dimension to the Lakers’ offensive arsenal.

In exchange, the Lakers reportedly sent a combination of future draft picks, rotational players, and cap-friendly contracts to Portland, giving the Trail Blazers flexibility as they continue their rebuilding process.

Fans across Los Angeles are celebrating the acquisition, with hopes high that Ayton’s arrival can help return the team to contender status. As the Lakers reshape their roster, the addition of Deandre Ayton could prove to be the cornerstone move of their 2025 offseason.