This NBA offseason has been particularly thrilling for Deandre Ayton, just as it is for many fans. The Portland Trail Blazers announced a buyout of the center’s contract, which was completed on Sunday night.
Ayton, who was initially signed for $35.6 million in what would have been his final year with the Blazers, is now a free agent. He has recently expressed the type of team he hopes to join.
Top NBA insider Shams Charania reports that Ayton “wants to play in a winning situation.”
It’s natural for any player seeking a fresh start to search for a team with championship potential.
Deandre Ayton wants to play in a winning situation, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/YvlHjEQ9hI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2025
However, NBA fans on social media have begun drawing their own conclusions. Many speculate that the former Trail Blazers player might sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
There are factors that could make this potential signing intriguing. Following the buyout, the 26-year-old Ayton has the freedom to sign with any team, regardless of salary cap constraints.
As the Lakers actively pursue a top-tier center, the possibility of Ayton teaming up with Luka Doncic and LeBron James could be electrifying.
NBA Fans Convinced Deandre Ayton Would Land In Lakers
While the thought of pairing him with the Lakers excites LA fans, the certainty of Deandre Ayton’s future is still up in the air. Another team, the Boston Celtics, is also being linked to him. Nevertheless, this doesn’t hinder Lakers fans’ optimism about him making his way to Hollywood.
“Lakers is the place to be,” one fan remarked.
Lakers is the place to be
— 𝟐𝟑 👑 (@BronWorld) June 30, 2025
“Winning situation” just for Adam Silver to force him to sign with the Lakers,”</em, another fan quipped.
“Winning situation” just for Adam silver to force him to sign with the lakers 💀
— Mikey CoinSnatch (@MikeyCoinSnatch) June 30, 2025
“Obviously means Rui is traded by the Lakers,” a third fan posted.
Obviously means rui is traded by the lakers
— Jason (@jason23lake) June 30, 2025
“It sounds like he’ll be choosing between the Lakers and Warriors then, with the Hawks as a possible wildcard,” another fan suggested.
It sounds like he’ll be choosing between the Lakers and Warriors then with the Hawks being a wildcard
— ᴄʜᴀsᴇ (@BolieveInNix) June 30, 2025
“We went from LeBron “The Decision” Free Agency to DeAndre Ayton as the main Free Agent.. game is gone,” mused a fifth fan.
We went from LeBron “The Decision” Free Agency to DeAndre Ayton being the main Free Agent.. game is gone
— 77 👑 (@7ixers) June 30, 2025
“LAKERRRRRRRRRRRR,” another fan exclaimed.
LAKERRRRRRRRRRRR
— 👑🐐 (@LukaToBron) June 30, 2025
We will have to wait and see what unfolds in the offseason for the former Trail Blazer. Until then, here’s hoping the Lakers secure the center they need, be it Ayton or another player.
Image Source: Deandre Ayton @ Instagram
