By Sunday 
While the Lakers’ offseason hasn’t exactly exploded with headline deals, don’t sleep on this one: Deandre Ayton is headed to L.A.
The move follows a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, who apparently weren’t planning on riding the Ayton train much longer. But for the Lakers, who’ve struggled to find consistency in the frontcourt since Anthony Davis started getting banged up more frequently, this is a big—literally and figuratively—acquisition.
Sure, Ayton isn’t a flashy MVP or three-point phenom. But he’s a reliable center with a solid inside presence, and he could help stabilize L.A.’s interior defense and rebounding. Combine that with LeBron’s likely final run and Bronny’s rookie debut, and Ayton’s low-key signing might end up as a major glue piece.
It’s not a title-guaranteeing move, but it’s smart, sensible—and sometimes, that’s all you need.