Lakers predicted to sign $35 million former Arizona legend now branded 'locker room cancer'

NBA free agency is underway, and there has already been plenty of movement on the first day. One team to keep an eye on this summer is undoubtedly the Los Angeles Lakers, who are expected to make moves to support Luka Doncic and LeBron James, as the latter nears the end of his career.

A major area of focus will be the center position. During the first round of the playoffs in April, the Lakers were clearly outmatched at center, which significantly hurt their chances. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes the team could make multiple additions soon.

“I think they might sign even two centers before this week is up,” Windhorst said during a Monday appearance on SportsCenter.

A potential candidate became available on Sunday when Deandre Ayton reportedly reached a contract buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick, has struggled to meet expectations in recent years.

“Los Angeles will have interest in former Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton,” Stein wrote Monday afternoon. “The Trail Blazers are reportedly in the process of buying out Ayton. The Arizona product was the first pick of the 2018 draft by the Suns, and helped that franchise rebuild into a contender in the early 2020s. However, his play has slipped since he joined Portland via trade in Sept. 2023; his 2.8 win shares in '25 were a career low,” Sports Illustrated’s Patrick Andres wrote.

While adding a center to support Doncic and James is crucial, Ayton comes with concerns. Around the league, his reputation has taken a hit.

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“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton... right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room... he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said.

The Lakers must seriously evaluate whether signing Ayton is the right move. While Los Angeles is currently seen as a top destination for him, it might not be the best fit. Still, playing alongside James and Doncic could be the opportunity Ayton needs to become the star many once believed he could be.