Deandre Ayton

After a two-year stint in Portland, Ayton finds himself back on a contending team, and Los Angeles appears to be a perfect fit. The Lakers' surprising mid-season trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic left a major void at center, which was going to be filled by Mark Williams before a failed physical axed the deal right before the deadline. Ayton has averaged a double-double and shot at least 55 percent from the field in each of his first seven seasons in the league. While his defensive energy can wane, he's averaged at least 1.8 stocks five times, including both seasons with the Trail Blazers. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick's work at the charity stripe is also worth taking a second look at. He attempted at least 2.3 free throws per game and shot 75 percent or better from the line in all five campaigns with Phoenix, but he shot a career-high 82.3 percent on 1.4 tries per game during his first season in Portland before shooting a career-low 66.7 percent on 1.5 tries in 2024-25. Regardless, the primary concern in Ayton's profile remains missed time. He's appeared in at least 69 regular-season games only twice in his career, finishing inside the top 50 in eight-category leagues both times. He's failed to crack the top 100 twice, appearing in 40 or fewer regular-season games both times. There are concerns Ayton won't have as many touches with his new squad, as LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will dominate usage. However, Ayton's experience sharing the court with Chris Paul and Devin Booker in Phoenix should ease the transition. As long as Ayton is healthy, he should be locked into 30 minutes a night and won't face competition from Maxi Kleber or Jaxson Hayes. That should be enough for a top-75 floor, but the days of Ayton cracking the top 50 are likely behind him. Read Past Outlooks