The Lakers lastly acquired a middle they’ve so desperately wanted once they agreed to a cope with Deandre Ayton, based on folks not licensed to talk publicly on the matter.
The Lakers had been capable of get Ayton after he acquired a buyout from the Portland Path Blazers of his $35-million contract, giving up about $10 million, based on reviews. That opened the door for the Lakers to get Ayton for $16 million over two season after he cleared waivers Wednesday, based on folks conversant in the deal. Ayton holds a participant choice for the second season.
Ayton averaged 14.4 factors and 10.2 rebounds over 30.2 minutes per sport for the Path Blazers final season. However he performed in solely 40 video games, lacking each sport after the All-Star break due to a calf harm.
At 26 and 7-foot, Ayton fills a necessity for the Lakers due to his age, dimension and athleticism.
After the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks final season for Luka Doncic, the staff was left with solely Jaxson Hayes at heart. Hayes was inefficient within the playoffs in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves, dropping his beginning job after enjoying within the first 4 video games.
When the free-agency interval began Monday afternoon, the Lakers didn’t have a middle on their roster, which they now have in Ayton, who has averaged 16.4 factors and 10.5 rebounds in his seven-year profession whereas making 59% of his photographs.
The Lakers had been linked to free-agent facilities Brook Lopez, who agreed to a cope with the Clippers, and Clint Capela, who agreed to a cope with the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers had more cash to spend on Ayton as a result of Dorian Finney-Smith declined his $15.3-million choice with L.A. and agreed to a cope with the Houston Rockets for $53 million over 4 years.
Ayton was the primary general choose by the Phoenix Suns within the 2018 NBA draft, two spots forward of Doncic, who was chosen third by the Atlanta Hawks after which traded to the Mavericks.
The Lakers see Ayton as a lob menace alongside Doncic, which labored effectively in Phoenix when Chris Paul was throwing lobs to Ayton once they reached the NBA Finals.
The Lakers be ok with the addition of Ayton as a result of they acquired youthful, extra cell and extra athletic.
Additionally, the Lakers had been capable of keep vital salary-cap flexibility going ahead and are projected to have $60 million in cap area subsequent July.
The Lakers aren’t carried out, as they’ll proceed to watch the league for roster upgrades via trades and different free brokers.
