The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

Deandre Ayton posted a thank you message for the Portland Trail Blazers, and finished it with a message for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Veteran center Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.