The Los Angeles Lakers have made a big move. They signed center Deandre Ayton for the next two seasons. This fills a key hole in their lineup. The team had been missing a starting center since February. That’s when Anthony Davis was traded away for Luka Doncic.
The agreement was made final early Thursday morning. Ayton’s contract is for two years. It’s worth $34 million in total, which is about 29 million euros. Ayton also has the option to end the deal himself next summer.
Ayton is 25 years old. He was the first player picked in the 2018 draft by the Phoenix Suns. Interestingly, Luka Doncic was chosen third in that same draft. Ayton recently became available. He was released by the Portland Trail Blazers a few days ago. Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
With Ayton now on board, the Lakers have a very strong core. He joins Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. This group looks ready to compete. The Los Angeles team aims to get back to the top of the NBA. They want to fight for a championship title.