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Deandre Ayton's High-Risk Move to Lakers After Blazers' Buyout

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Deandre Ayton averaged a career-low 14.4 PPG over two seasons with Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers bought out Ayton after investing in center prospects Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen.
His Portland struggles stemmed from insufficient playmaking support, unlike with the Suns and Chris Paul.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon described Ayton's move to the Los Angeles Lakers as a high-risk, high-reward situation.

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Story summary

Deandre Ayton averaged a career-low 14.4 PPG over two seasons with Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers bought out Ayton after investing in center prospects Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen.
His Portland struggles stemmed from insufficient playmaking support, unlike with the Suns and Chris Paul.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon described Ayton's move to the Los Angeles Lakers as a high-risk, high-reward situation.