Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[omahen]

I know there's been some 'connecting dots' stuff with Ayton to Indy, but I also have a hard time seeing it. Ultimately, I think he does a 1+1 deal to play with Luka & LeBron. Lot of teams with capspace next year. Let Luka get you paid...

Portland didn't just cut Ayton, they negotiated a buyout. This means Ayton was just as interested as Portland was to end this relationship. There is the obvious agent connection and Lakers had to know this is happening in advance and prepare for it. Lakers didn't really try to fight for centers like Capella (signed to be 3rd center on Houston) or Lopez (back-up for Clippers). I guess they would be able to convince at least one of them with a better offer. It was reported that both Duffy and Ayton see Lakers as the perfect opportunity to rehab his reputation.

I will be really surprised if Lakers don't do this.