Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers to become their new big man, according to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania.
Ayton finalised a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, and between his former franchise and Los Angeles, he is set to earn $34 million next season.
The number one pick in 2018, Ayton is expected to be a vital cog at the centre position for the Lakers, averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56.6% from the field last season.
He is the first player to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons since Dwight Howard.
However, Ayton played only 40 games for Portland in the 2024/25 season and has missed nearly 70 games in his last two.