NBA analyst Jason McIntyre recently lauded the Los Angeles Lakers for their strategic acquisition of Deandre Ayton, suggesting that the talented center shares similarities with some of the league’s most prominent stars, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. This offseason, Ayton made a significant sacrifice, reportedly forfeiting $10 million from his remaining $34 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent. He subsequently signed a two-year, $16.2 million deal with the Lakers.
On Thursday’s episode of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” McIntyre emphasized the Lakers’ “big splash” in the free agency market, highlighting Ayton’s potential impact on the team. He confidently ranked Ayton among the top eight centers in the league, pointing to the 7-foot player’s impressive career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, along with a shooting percentage of 59.0%. McIntyre drew parallels between Ayton’s statistics and those of other elite players, including Jokic, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, and 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.
Ayton’s journey to the Lakers began with his acquisition by the Trail Blazers in 2023 as part of a blockbuster three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. During his time in Portland, Ayton played in 95 games, averaging 15.7 points per game and 10.7 rebounds on 56.9% shooting. His performance solidified his reputation as a formidable player in the league.
Now, Ayton is set to join a Lakers squad that boasts superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who was drafted just two spots after Ayton in 2018. In a recent interview on ESPN LA, Ayton was asked about his new teammates and expressed enthusiasm about joining such a talented roster.
Having been selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton spent five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he played a crucial role in leading the team to multiple playoff runs. Notably, he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
For the Lakers, adding a player like Ayton was a strategic move to enhance their lineup. After finishing last season with 50 wins and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers prioritized acquiring a lob threat and rim protector to bolster their chances in the upcoming season.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the Lakers’ decision to bring in Deandre Ayton signals their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. Fans can look forward to seeing how Ayton integrates into the Lakers’ system and contributes to their pursuit of another title.
For those interested in the future of the NBA, explore the 2024 NBA Draft with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator and take on the role of general manager for your favorite team.
As the season approaches, keep an eye on the latest developments surrounding the Lakers and the rest of the league. With exciting trades and acquisitions shaping the narrative, there’s plenty to anticipate in the world of professional basketball.
About the Author: Kim Daniel Rubinos
Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda, bringing over a decade of multi-industry experience to his role. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in finance. Writing has always been Kim’s passion; during his college years, he served as editor-in-chief. With a diverse entrepreneurial background, he possesses a strong research acumen and has also worked as a professor.
A Boston Celtics fan since 2007, Kim has experienced the team’s ups and downs, celebrating joyfully when they raised their 18th championship banner in 2024. Beyond basketball, he enjoys following the NFL, MLB, and Formula 1. When he’s not immersed in sports writing or editing, Kim is often on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee.
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