Deandre Ayton's two-year, $16.2 million deal with Lakers listed as one of best summer contracts

The Los Angeles Lakers solved their frontcourt issue this summer by signing former Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16 million contract.

While many weren't huge fans of the notable free agency signing, Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach applauded the move by listing Ayton’s contract as one of the best of the summer (No. 4 on the top-7 list). 

"The Lakers could have done a lot worse than a 26-year-old former No. 1 overall draft pick who has averaged a double-double in each of his first seven seasons in the NBA,” Rohrbach wrote Thursday.

"I get that the Blazers paid him $25.6 million not to play for them this season. I get that he has underwhelmed as a recent No. 1 overall pick, often demonstrating a lack of commitment to his team.”

"But if he can recommit to the brand of basketball that made him an invaluable member of the Phoenix Suns' 2021 NBA Finals run — protecting the rim, running in transition, finishing around the basket, and setting hard screens in the pick-and-roll for the Lakers' three best players — he should easily exceed his value.”

Despite Ayton not being among the most motivated NBA players to ever grace the hardwood, the Arizona product is undoubtedly a solid addition to the Lake Show. 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

As a low-post-oriented player who understands his limitations on the offensive end, Ayton does his most impactful work while playing complementary pick-and-roll basketball with his point guard and utilizing his robust frame to outmuscle opponents in the paint.

Ayton, who nearly captured his first championship in 2021 as a member of the Suns, contributed 14.4 points, 10.2 assists, and one block per game with the Trail Blazers last season, shooting 56.6% from the field in 40 contests. 

Considering the 26-year-old has proven he can help orchestrate a deep playoff run as a top-3 scoring option and display flashes of brilliance when fully locked in on the task at hand, it’s safe to say Los Angeles paid him accordingly this offseason. 

More NBA: Stephen Curry's unexpected decision sees Warriors star team up with Spurs guard for World Tour