Deandre Ayton's Latest Post Turns Heads Amid Lakers' Pursuit on Tuesday
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Deandre Ayton's Latest Post Turns Heads Amid Lakers' Pursuit on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers have left their fans wanting more after a quiet first day of free agency. They watched as Dorian Finney-Smith left them and signed with the Houston Rockets after the team made a concentrated push to recruit him. The Lakers have replaced him with Jake LaRavia, but their glaring hole at center is yet to be filled.
Potential targets like Clint Capela (Houston Rockets) and Brook Lopez (LA Clippers) have already signed with rivals, leaving the Lakers even more in need of a center on their roster. Their hopes could be answered with the suddenly available Deandre Ayton, who was bought out of his contract by the Portland Trail Blazers.
While multiple teams are expected to pursue Ayton, Lakers fans are hoping they can land the former No. 1 overall pick this summer. The Bahamian center's latest Instagram story, where he lands in his home country while wearing a LA Dodgers hat, has Lakers fans buzzing.
New DeAndre Ayton story pic.twitter.com/9vP3cLzo0k— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) July 1, 2025
"Lakers emerging as strong contenders to sign him," said one optimistic fan.
"He’s a Laker," said one excited fan.
"Luka will hate this low motor, non-defending diva," said another fan wanting the Lakers to go a different route.
"Wake up! And look at the hat," said another fan, reading into the hat choice.
"He’s signing with Raptors, they can offer way more money," said one fan worried about other teams signing Ayton instead.
"He’s trolling sadly," said another fan.
Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds with the Blazers last season. Off-court concerns around Ayton ramped up over his two seasons in Portland, leading to an early contract buyout for the 27-year-old center.
The Lakers can offer a massive role to Ayton, given their dearth of a starting center. If Ayton is willing to buy into his role, he could be the perfect center next to Luka Doncic who can rebound, catch lobs, and defend the rim.
The Lakers have potential concerns with LeBron James' future as well, so signing Ayton right now would help give James assurances on the Lakers' competitive standing for next season.
Related: Warriors Expected to Sign Veteran Title-Winning Big in Free Agency
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
