Rob Pelinka speaks about adding Deandre Ayton

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally gotten their center in Deandre Ayton. This was a void LA suffered from last season after trading Anthony Davis.

Related: Breaking: Deandre Ayton expected to sign with Lakers

To some fans the addition of Ayton is a huge pickup and will tremendously help the team next season. To others, it isn’t so good, as Ayton is known to lack effort at times.

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According to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Ayton is the perfect player for LA.

“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason. And we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” Pelinka said. “Deandre’s size, mobility, and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection.

“Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations,” Pelinka said.

Last season for the Portland Trail Blazers
Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. If he brings these numbers to LA he can certainly help the Lakers reach higher level.

About the Author Published Jul 7, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1