It’s official. And from the man himself. Deandre Ayton is suiting up in Purple & Gold. The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found a starting center for the 2025-26 season. In case you were still in disbelief after Shams Charania dropped this bomb, Deandre Ayton confirmed the news personally. Ayton had some heartfelt words for Portland for his time with the Trail Blazers. But he’s now looking forward to teaming up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in a big way.
Ayton was the guy picked first overall ahead of Luka Doncic (third overall) in the 2018 draft. Which makes this a team-up to fear. However, amid all the waivers, free agency, and contract talk, Ayton took a moment to thank his home of two seasons.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 26-year-old wrote, “RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya’ll for welcoming me and my family. I’ve truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community.”
Despite rumors of friction with the team, Ayton had nothing but gratitude for the Blazers when he wrote, “Big up to my teammates, ya’ll the realestThe entire coaching staff, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya’ll.”
Ayton was selected by the Phoenix Suns but soon rumors of clashes with the coaching staff surfaced. He emerged as a star in Portland but the chatter followed him there too. He’s however setting the right tone with his message before working with Coach JJ Redick. “Thank you to the entire front office and staff from the facility to the arena…I’m grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey. @trailblazers, you’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Finally, he confirmed what others found hard to believe since sources in Lakers told ESPN’s Shams Charania. “@lakers I’M READY. Let’s get to work #LakeShow.” In one line, Deandre Ayton broke the Internet.
This is a developing story.
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