Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Deandre Ayton Thanks Trail Blazers & Sends First Message To Lakers Fans
Lakers News

Deandre Ayton Thanks Trail Blazers & Sends First Message To Lakers Fans

Ron Gutterman
Published: 07/03/2025
3 Min Read
DeAndre Ayton, Lakers
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 03: Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates a 121-119 win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their starting center in Deandre Ayton. The former No. 1 overall pick signed with L.A. on a two-year contract as a free agent after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton initially had one year and about $35 million remaining on the deal he signed with the Indiana Pacers — and matched by the Phoenix Suns — four years ago.

Ayton’s time while on that four-year contract was best described as uneven. His tenure in Phoenix ran out when the franchise decided to trade him in what was effectively a cost-cutting move. And while he put up strong numbers in Portland, he was never able to impact winning.

But still, Ayton wanted to give a kind message to the Trail Blazers franchise and fanbase as a send-off after spending two seasons with the team. He did so via Instagram, ending it with a message to Lakers fans:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DOMINAYTON (@deandreayton)

While reports surfaced from the Trail Blazers after his buyout that did not paint Ayton in a positive light, it seems that — at the very least — he did not view Portland negatively. A farewell post like this certainly goes against some of the reputation that the big man has developed over the years.

And now, he gets a fresh start with the Lakers, where he’ll play alongside the most talented teammates and best passers he’s ever had. That alone could serve as motivation to get to work and hone in on specific skillsets.

Luka Doncic excited to play with Deandre Ayton

The Luka Doncic era appears to be in full motion for the Lakers as they’ve signaled that they’re setting up to build the team in his image moving forward.

LeBron James picked up his player option for the 2025-26 season and noted that he understands the Lakers are planning for the future, a sign that all parties involve know that this is Doncic’s team now. Doncic’s first half season in Los Angeles ended on a sour note because of their early playoff exit, but the trade was made with an eye toward the future anyway.

The Lakers have historically collaborated with their superstars on personnel moves, so it stands to reason that Doncic is looped into the front office’s plans for the summer.

So far, Los Angeles has largely sat out free agency, though it appears Doncic is on board with how they’re moving and is excited to play with Ayton.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Deandre AytonLos Angeles LakersPortland Trail Blazers
ByRon Gutterman
Ron Gutterman is a Washington State University alum from Anaheim, California, and is currently a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com, RamsNewsWire.com, and RaidersNewsWire.com. He is also the lead editor for AngelsNation.com. With Lakers Nation, Rams News Wire, Raiders News Wire, and Angels Nation, Ron assists in news, game coverage, analysis, and hot takes via his Twitter account, @rongutterman24. Without a doubt, Ron's favorite Laker, and favorite athlete of all time, is Kobe Bryant. Ron began watching basketball when he was 6 years old, in 2005, when Bryant was dragging the likes of Smush Parker and Ronny Turiaf to playoff spots. Ron's all time favorite Lakers moment was Bryant's final game when he dropped 60 points. While the Lakers beating the Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, as Metta World Peace hit the game clinching three, will always be a top option, Bryant's final night takes the cake. Contact: ron@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?