The keys to Deandre Ayton's signing by the Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 seasons after having terminated his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers a few days ago. The 2018 Draft's number 1 pick, where Luka Doncic was third, now teams up with the Slovenian after a career so far marked by ups and downs.

In terms of finances, the Lakers make use of the 8 million mid-level exception they had available to pay Ayton, who will not lose much from what he had lined up with the Blazers. He was due to earn 35.6 million in his last year of the contract, but reached a buyout agreement for 25 million (forgiving over 10 million). Now, he will receive 34 million next season combining what he gets from the Blazers and the Lakers. Then, for the second season, he will have a player option with the Lakers for the same amount.

With the signing of Jake LaRavia, the Lakers have exhausted their salary cap space, so to make another move, they will have to move players from the roster.

In terms of sports performance, Ayton averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds with the Blazers. He was traded by the Suns last summer. In Arizona, where his early years were not bad, he left on a sour note, although he consistently recorded double-doubles (16+10 during his time there). There are doubts about his character, commitment, and occasional lack of focus, but the Lakers needed a center urgently, and with Ayton available at this price, it was an opportunity they couldn't miss.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las claves del fichaje de DeAndre Ayton por Los Angeles Lakers