The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a middle nowadays, and luckily for them, a brand new and thrilling huge man asset might have change into obtainable.
For weeks, it has been extensively assumed that Los Angeles will find yourself with somebody like Jonas Valančiūnas Washington Wizards or Robert Williams III of the Portland Path Blazers.
Two different extra dream targets for the Lakers at heart are Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz and Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors, however each might be exhausting to seek out.
Now, in keeping with Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, a brand new identify has emerged on the middle market, and it is not a small identify at that.
In reality, he’s a former No. 1 total choose.
Fischer revealed Friday that whereas many thought the Path Blazers have been shopping for a Williams III, they could desire to commerce Deandre Ayton, who’s at present within the third 12 months of a four-year, $133 million contract.
Apparently, Portland likes the worth they get from Williams III for what they pay him, which might be not what they consider Ayton.
The emergence of Donovan Clingan as a viable NBA rim protector in Portland additionally seemingly has one thing to do with the Path Blazers dropping curiosity in retaining Ayton.
Regardless of the cause, Ayton may quickly be obtainable on the commerce market, that means groups in want of a middle (i.e. the Lakers) might be tempted to commerce for the seven-man 26 12 months previous ft.
Ayton would undoubtedly be a superb pickup for the Lake Present. Though he by no means turned the franchise heart the Phoenix Suns hoped he could be once they made him the primary total choose, Ayton is way from a failure.
He has averaged 16.6 factors and 10.5 rebounds per recreation in his profession to date, taking pictures 59.0 p.c from the sector. He is not a foul free throw shooter both, particularly for somebody of his stature. He’s a 76.0 p.c shooter over his profession.
Ought to the Lakers put together a suggestion for Ayton? He and Anthony Davis may make for a monstrous frontcourt in Los Angeles.
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