Lakers Get Good News in Free Agency on Wednesday Amid LeBron James Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers made their first major move during NBA free agency. LeBron James appeared to put the front office on notice before free agency began by issuing a cryptic statement about his future via power agent Rich Paul.

With pressure mounting from James, the Lakers made the team’s first big splash of the offseason. After being linked to seemingly dozens of big men in ongoing NBA rumors, the Lakers may have found the team’s next starting center.

Former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton plans to sign with the Lakers once the center clears waivers, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

“Multiple interested teams expect Deandre Ayton to commit to the Lakers after he clears waivers today at 5 PM ET, league sources tell @JakeLFischer and me,” Stein detailed in a July 2, 2025, message on X.

The Lakers Quickly Emerged as the Favorites to Land Deandre Ayton

The news comes after fellow NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers were the obvious landing spot for Ayton following his release by the Portland Trail Blazers. It was challenging for Ayton to find a better fit in terms of both money and playing time.

“Right now, it still does seem that Deandre Ayton’s best opportunity to get paid to make up the $10 million that he gave in a buyout back to Portland, which we reported last night, could be in Los Angeles where the Lakers are certainly weighing a run at him,” Fischer noted during a July 1, Bleacher Report live stream.

“… I would be surprised if Ayton’s not the guy in L.A. I just don’t see a better earning opportunity for him where most of the big men are already off the board. The Lakers need a starting-level center.”

Los Angeles may not be done making moves as the Lakers also appear to be pushing to poach Al Horford away from the Boston Celtics.

“Even after signing Deandre Ayton, the Lakers remain in strong pursuit of Al Horford,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery detailed on July 2. “Ideally, Los Angeles wants to add a pick-and-roll lob threat alongside a stretch-five. Signing Ayton and Horford would certainly accomplish that goal.”

Rich Paul: ‘We Do Want to Evaluate What’s Best for LeBron at This Stage in His Life & Career’

With free agency one day away from starting, James opened the door for scrutiny about his future in Los Angeles. James has not requested a trade, but the superstar appears to be putting pressure on the Lakers to make more win-now moves.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on June 29. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”