Deandre Ayton is officially a Los Angeles Lakers player, and he wasted no time acknowledging both where he came from and where he’s headed next. In a heartfelt Instagram message following his exit from Portland, Ayton expressed gratitude for his brief stint with the Trail Blazers before pivoting to his new chapter in Los Angeles.”
“RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya’ll for welcoming me and my family.”
“I’ve truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community.”
“Big up to my teammates, ya’ll the realest✊ The entire coaching staff, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya’ll.”
“Thank you to the entire front office and staff from the facility to the arena…I’m grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey.”
“Trailblazers, you’ll always have a place in my heart.”
“Lakers I’M READY. Let’s get to work #LakeShow.”
That message now becomes part of the narrative as the Lakers attempt to rebound from a disappointing offseason start.
After missing out on Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, and even internal targets like Luke Kornet, Rob Pelinka finally secured a legitimate starting center. And while Ayton wasn’t the Lakers’ first choice, he may prove to be their most important addition.
According to Shams Charania, Ayton signed a $16 million deal with the Lakers, completing a transaction that now sees him earn a total of $34 million between Portland and Los Angeles for the upcoming season.
At just 26 years old and with a résumé that includes multiple playoff runs with the Suns, Ayton brings upside, physical presence, and experience, albeit with question marks around consistency and motor.
Last season with the Blazers, Ayton averaged a respectable 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 56.6% from the field across 40 games.
Ayton’s message to Laker Nation signifies more than a new jersey; it’s a rebrand of sorts. His tenure in Phoenix ended in tension. His stop in Portland was marred by locker room rumors and lack of buy-in. Now, alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and JJ Redick, Ayton enters a more demanding environment, and he knows it.
The Lakers desperately needed this. Following their blockbuster trade that shipped Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic, the roster’s frontcourt had been paper-thin, relying on Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber to hold down the paint.
With LeBron turning 41 this season and Luka needing a reliable pick-and-roll partner, Ayton becomes a central piece of this new Lakers puzzle.
JJ Redick, who once praised Ayton’s ability to punish mismatches and run high-level pick-and-rolls with Chris Paul, will now look to unlock that same potential with Luka.
If Ayton buys in, defends with effort, and commits to playing within the Lakers’ scheme, he could rejuvenate his career and help this team challenge for a top-four seed in the West.
Of course, fans remain split. Some see Ayton as the missing piece, while others believe he’s a stopgap. The truth is likely somewhere in between. But Ayton’s message, appreciative, humble, and eager, suggests he knows what’s at stake.
This is no longer a rebuilding team. This is the final sprint of LeBron James’ legendary career, the launchpad for Luka’s Laker era, and perhaps Ayton’s last chance to become the star everyone once projected.
