The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a center, but they must avoid adding Deandre Ayton at all costs after his stunning buyout with the Blazers. The former number-one overall pick was actually selected over Luka Doncic in the 2018 draft. Ayton is the best free agent big man available in free agency, but the Lakers should run if they want to be in title contention next season.

Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 block in 30.2 minutes per game. He shot 56.6 percent from the field and is a career 75.5 percent free-throw shooter. The seven-footer is in his prime and even scored 1.13 points per possession as a roll man last season. Everything seems perfect until fans dig a bit deeper.

Ayton’s on-off numbers are disastrous, and there has been plenty of frustration about his attitude and impact on winning since his days in Phoenix. The Blazers bought out his $35.5 million expiring contract to get him off their books after making a win-now trade for Jrue Holiday. How is Ayton going to help the Lakers chase a championship?

Lakers should run from Deandre Ayton in free agency

The Blazers scored 0.3 points per 100 possessions fewer with Ayton on the floor and gave up 4.8 more. Portland had a negative 6.8 net rating with him in the game and just a negative 1.7 when he was out. In his final year in Phoenix, the Suns were plus 5.3 with Ayton on the bench and negative 1.6 when he played. Those are not the numbers of a starting center on a title contender.

Ayton has made it clear throughout his career that he wants touches. The 26-year-old has come off the bench just seven times in his 398 career games. He has never averaged fewer than 14.4 points per game and his career low for a season is 10.0 field attempts each night. Ayton wants the ball and to be a top-three scoring option on his team. That is not available in Los Angeles playing next to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.

Number 77 took great pleasure in bouncing the Suns from the 2022 playoffs with Ayton virtually being benched at halftime of Game 7. There is no bad blood, but fans can bet Luka hasn’t forgotten the Suns selected the seven-footer over him.

The Lakers want to win. LeBron James made it clear when he opted in that he wants the franchise to compete for a championship or he’s ready to look elsewhere. Signing Ayton to fill their center need is the opposite of that.

The Los Angeles Lakers should trade for a starting-caliber center and sign a veteran backup to fill 48 quality minutes at the position. Luka Doncic thrives will a lob target and rim protector at the five. Rob Pelinka is set on getting him one, but Deandre Ayton is not the answer. The pressure is on the front office to find the right one. Hopefully, fans won’t have to wait long.

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