Center Deandre Ayton is reportedly garnering interest from multiple teams after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers this week.

After watching the free agent center options dry up, the Lakers remain the somewhat reluctant favorites to land Deandre Ayton.

ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent. This has led to increased speculation about Ayton potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in search of a key center.

Deandre Ayton received exploratory interest from the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks (before agreeing to a deal with Myles Turner) before

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Will the Pacers end up regretting their decision to be frugal, leading to the breakup of the core that led them to the 2025 NBA Finals?

According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, Los Angeles is now facing competition from the Indiana Pacers to sign Ayton. Of course, Ayton previously signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet with the Pacers a few years back.

One of the most hyped prospects in NBA history makes his Summer League debut Thursday. Cooper Flagg's Mavs face Bronny James and the Lakers.