ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have signed DeAndre Ayton to a two-year deal worth $16.6 million. This deal comes with a player option for next summer's free agency. The addition of Ayton now gives the Lakers a starting center as the former first overall pick in the 2018 draft heads to Hollywood.
This move is one that should have Pelicans fans dying of laughter. Ayton is one of the league's softest big men, and now he is joining one of their biggest rivals. Ayton was once regarded as a future top 10 center, but has shown no will to improve since his rookie season. Lakers fans have made it clear they view Ayton as a savior, someone who is going to come in and help them contend.
This is hilarious because the rest of the league is laughing at the fact that they just paid $8.8 million a season for a big men who is afraid to finish at the rim and would rather take 15-foot jump shots. The addition of Ayton doesn't solidify anything with the Lakers next season; it's just a way to trick fans into thinking they made a big signing, because Ayton is a well-known name.
He is coming off his worst statistical season in his second year in Portland with averages of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field. Ayton lacks that killer instinct, as at 7'1", he is afraid of attacking the rim; he ranked in the 97th percentile among centers in midrange shots attempted last season. However, it's not like he was automatic from that range, as he ranked in the 70th percentile in converting from the midrange.
Now, many will counter my argument about Ayton by pointing to Bam Adebayo, who also relies on mid-range shots, which is a fair point. But the difference is that Bam is one of the NBA’s elite defenders, and his impact on that end makes up for his offensive limitations. Ayton doesn't have the same luxury as Adebayo because he isn't a top-five rim protector and isn't someone you can rely on to get a stop when you need one.
Ayton is considered one of the weakest rim protectors in the league, as teams often target him when attacking the basket. His inability to deter offensive players from scoring near the rim and secure defensive stops is a significant drawback in his game.
The Pelicans made the right choice
Joe Dumars' decision to sign Kevon Looney to a two-year, $16 million contract looks even better after the Lakers signed Ayton. The fact that Ayton is being paid more than Looney is laughable. Looney is a three-time NBA champion, an excellent rim protector, a strong rebounder, and a great team player. In contrast, Ayton is coming off a career-worst season and faced issues in the locker room during the past season with the Trail Blazers.
The Lakers' addition of DeAndre Ayton is one of the most comical moves of this offseason. And it should give Pelicans fans a good laugh at the expense of their Western Conference rivals.