Deandre Ayton heats up the market: Lakers and Pacers in hot pursuit

Deandre Ayton is once again making headlines across the league. Now a free agent, the center is drawing attention and shaking up front offices everywhere. According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers see major value in Ayton.

That’s why Deandre Ayton has landed firmly in their sights as a key piece to strengthen the roster and ease the load for stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The Lakers are clearly gearing up to retool their lineup and chase another championship. But Ayton isn’t just drawing attention from Hollywood.

Two teams, one Deandre Ayton

The Indiana Pacers have also jumped into the mix for Deandre Ayton. After losing Myles Turner, the reigning Eastern Conference champions see Ayton as a natural fit in their interior rotation. Recent reports suggest the race between the Lakers and Pacers for Ayton is heating up fast, with a decision expected this very week.

Drafted first overall in 2018 by the Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton has had a winding journey so far. He made a short stop in Portland in 2024 following a trade out of Arizona. While Ayton posted solid numbers with the Trail Blazers, locker room friction reportedly made the situation less than ideal.

 

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Deandre Ayton made headlines during his time in Portland—not for stats, but for discipline issues, missed practices, and general tension with the front office. That led to the unexpected news of a buyout agreement, launching Ayton onto the market as a sought-after free agent.

What the Lakers want from Deandre Ayton

Despite the drama, the Lakers believe Deandre Ayton still brings plenty to the table. They see Deandre Ayton as a physical presence who can protect the rim and run the floor with speed. At only 26, Ayton still has room to grow his game and refine his skill set.

For many analysts, Deandre Ayton could be the ideal frontcourt complement to stars like LeBron and Luka—bringing balance to a roster in need of size and athleticism inside.

Lakers or Pacers?

That’s the big question: where will Deandre Ayton land? It’s shaping up to be a classic duel between two contrasting team models. On one side, a veteran-heavy, ring-hungry team like the Lakers. On the other, a rising Eastern force like Indiana, hungry to stay among the NBA elite.

Deandre Ayton is now at a crossroads, and this decision could reshape his career—reviving his momentum, or stalling it if the fit turns out wrong. Either way, all eyes are on Ayton as the league awaits his next move.