Deandre Ayton is officially a Laker. And no, this isn’t your typical “center joins contender” storyline. This is Ayton stepping into one of the most intimidating legacies in sports history—being a big man for the Los Angeles Lakers. From Wilt to Kareem, Shaq to Pau, even Robert “Big Shot” Horry when he felt like showing up in Game 7s—L.A. doesn’t just sign centers. They canonize them.

So naturally, no pressure, Deandre.

The former No. 1 overall pick signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers after a buyout from Portland—meaning he’s still cashing checks worth $25 million thanks to leftover Blazers money. That’s right: Ayton is living every millennial dream—quitting your job but still getting paid, while moving to L.A. to hang with Luka Doncic.

Yes, that Luka Doncic. The Slovenian maestro, who was drafted just two picks behind Ayton back in 2018, reportedly wanted this. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, both Ayton and Doncic were “motivated” to team up in L.A., sharing not only a draft class but the same agent (Bill Duffy of WME Sports). Add in that they prepped for the draft in the same hotel and you’ve got a reunion that would make college buddies jealous.

Ayton’s numbers may not scream legendary, but they do whisper reliable. In 40 games for Portland last season, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting a crisp 56.6% from the field. And if you’re into consistency, Ayton’s been one of only four players (alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic) to average a double-double in each of the last seven seasons. That’s not just solid—that’s the statistical equivalent of showing up to work every day with a packed lunch and matching socks.

But what really makes Ayton stand out—aside from his 7-foot, 252-pound frame—is his playoff resume. The dude has started all 45 postseason games he’s appeared in. And during Phoenix’s 2021 run to the Finals, Ayton became the only player ever to average at least 15 points on 60% shooting across a full playoff series. That’s right, even Shaq’s shot chart didn’t sparkle like that.

Still, Lakers fans aren’t just looking for efficient post-ups—they’re craving a title run. And after last season’s flameout against the Timberwolves (a five-game gentleman’s sweep where Rudy Gobert basically camped in the paint rent-free), it’s no wonder Rob Pelinka sprinted toward a legit center like a point guard chasing a loose rebound.

“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was our top priority,” Pelinka said, beaming like someone who just unlocked a MyTeam Galaxy Opal card. “Deandre is an excellent fit—his size, athleticism, and mobility give us the scoring and paint protection we were missing.” He continued saying, “DeAndre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection. Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.“

DeAndre Ayton joins a legacy of bigs

And Ayton won’t be alone down there. He’s expected to start alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and LeBron James (because of course, LeBron isn’t leaving just yet). Jaxson Hayes will back him up, and Maxi Kleber, part of the Doncic deal, adds stretch and versatility.

But this move isn’t just about filling a roster hole. This is Ayton stepping into a spotlight blinding enough to make even seasoned stars squint. Let’s not forget the Lakers’ roll call of iconic bigs:

• Wilt Chamberlain averaged 23.2 rebounds a game in a season where people still thought passing out Gatorade was a medical miracle.

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose skyhook still haunts defenders in their sleep.

• Shaq turned backboards into Instagram moments before Instagram existed.

• Pau Gasol, the thinking man’s big who helped Kobe make good on those late-career titles.

• And even Robert Horry, who hit so many daggers he should’ve moonlighted as Hawkeye.

Deandre Ayton, meet the ghosts of Crypto.com Arena.

And yes, Lakers fans will measure you by that bar—even if unfairly. The moment you miss a layup, someone will say, “Shaq would’ve dunked that while reciting his free-throw percentage in freestyle.” But Ayton’s not here to copy legends—he’s here to be the first Deandre Ayton in purple and gold, not the next anything.

The upside? He’s got a running mate who believes in him. Luka Doncic, who averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the regular season (and leveled up to 30.2 points per game in the playoffs), reportedly pushed for the Lakers to sign Ayton. That kind of endorsement isn’t just PR—it’s chemistry in the making.

And if you’re still wondering why this pairing matters, remember this: Luka and LeBron couldn’t get past the Timberwolves because Gobert and Naz Reid treated the paint like their own private club. Ayton changes that equation. Suddenly, the Lakers don’t need LeBron playing small-ball five at age 40. They’ve got muscle, they’ve got rebounds. They’ve got 60% playoff shooting in the bank.

Sure, Ayton may never be Kareem—or even Andrew Bynum before he discovered bowling—but what he can be is exactly what L.A. needs: a dependable, mobile big with Finals DNA and a chip on his shoulder.

And for $16.6 million over two years? In this economy? That’s a steal worth celebrating.

Because if Deandre Ayton can channel just some of that legendary big-man mojo, this Lakers squad might not just be one to watch—they might be one to fear.