Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers after securing a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old center is set to earn $34 million for the 2025-26 season through his new Lakers deal.

Center Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not yet be announced between the Lakers and Ayton,

DeAndre Ayton has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, enhancing the teams centre position.