Lakers officially sign former No. 1 overall pick as Anthony Davis' replacement | Sporting News

The Los Angeles Lakers were underrated title contenders entering the 2025 postseason.

Acquiring Luka Doncic helped breathe life into a storied Western Conference that failed to find a consistent rhythm before the Feb.

6 trade deadline.

The only problem was that the Lakers had no choice but to sacrifice Anthony Davis in the blockbuster deal on Feb.

2 for Doncic, which negatively affected their frontcourt depth.

With head coach JJ Redick refusing to place his faith in Jaxson Hayes, the Minnesota Timberwolves steamrolled the Lakers in their first-round playoff series.

To the Lakers credit, the franchise prioritized signing former No.

1 overall pick Deandre Ayton as Davis' ideal last Wednesday.

Ayton officially joined Los Angeles on Sunday.

OFFICIAL: Welcome to the Purple & Gold, Deandre, The Lakers announced on X/Twitter.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Ayton was later praised by the organizations general manager Rob Pelinka.

Deandres size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection, Pelinka said.

Deandres playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.

Ayton is most known for occupying a valuable frontcourt role with the Phoenix Suns during their 2021 run to the NBA Finals.

Ayton contributed 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game with the Suns that postseason, shooting 65.8% from the field in 22 contests.

The Arizona products lack of effort in high-stakes moments can be frustrating at times, but his well-rounded skill set enables him to compensate for that concerning weakness.

Whether controlling the defensive glass, playing high IQ basketball in pickand-roll situations, or erasing shots around the rim, Ayton makes a noticeable impact on both ends.

If the former Portland Trail Blazers center is up to the challenge of performing under the brightest lights imaginable, hell be a valuable complementary piece for the Lakers next season.

More NBA: Lakers predicted to trade 21-time All-Star to Knicks after son's Summer League dud.

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