The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

Center Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as an NBA free agent, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not yet be announced between the Lakers and Ayton,

Center Deandre Ayton reportedly displayed a pattern of unbecoming behavior that led to the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to buy out the remainder of his contract Sunday.