Ayton can give Luka Dončić the instant lob threat that he has craved ever since the Lakers acquired him in February. Ayton can give the Lakers easy buckets partly because LeBron James prides himself on making the right pass. Ayton can give the Lakers the steady rim protection they lacked in the playoffs after trading Anthony Davis.

Chris Haynes first reported the news. Over the weekend, the Blazers and Ayton agreed to a buyout of the final year of his contract worth $35.5 million over the weekend. The Blazers will pay $25 million of his contract after he agreed to give up $10 million in order to become a free agent.