Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear

wcc

Jul 7, 2025 - 16:30

0 0

Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James, now 40, is entering the twilight of his legendary career. The Lakers recently acquired Luka Doncic, one of the most dynamic stars in the league. Alongside Austin Reaves and a group of developing young players, the Lakers believe they now have the right mix of talent to compete at the top of the Western Conference.

With the addition of Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles hopes to challenge the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and make a deep playoff run.

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka discussed the Ayton acquisition on Sunday and made his thoughts very clear:

“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” Pelinka said.

Rob Pelinka on the signing of Deandre Ayton:

"Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core," Lakers President of Basketball…— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 7, 2025

He went on to highlight what Ayton brings to the team.

“Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection. Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) will wear the gold and purple in the upcoming NBA season.© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Ayton, 26, was born in the Bahamas and starred at the University of Arizona before being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. He later played for the Portland Trail Blazers before joining the Lakers, making this his third NBA team.

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. The biggest concern for the Lakers will be keeping him healthy, as he appeared in only 95 games over the last two seasons in Portland.

Still, when healthy, Ayton has proven he can be a difference-maker. His presence in the paint could be the missing piece the Lakers have been searching for.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.