Former Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton posted a heartfelt message to Rip City on his Instagram page Wednesday after news broke that he had signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their starting center in Deandre Ayton. The former No. 1 overall pick signed with L.A. on a two-year contract as a free agent after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Deandre Ayton shares an emotional message on Instagram by thanking his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Deandre Ayton will be looking for a new team. Ayton and the Trail Blazers are finalizing a contract buyout in a surprise move, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported late Sunday night. The move comes following a season in which the 26-year-old averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks while shooting 56.6 percent from the field.

Trail Blazers Buy Out Center Deandre Ayton, Clearing Way for Lakers Deal originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Deandre Ayton pens an emotional farewell to Portland Trail Blazers fans after signing a $16.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

There are more than depth chart issues behind the Trail Blazers cutting ties with Deandre Ayton. The former first overall pick in 2018 by the Suns now has to find a new team after being bought out of his contract with Portland on Monday.

The Portland Trail Blazers shockingly bought out Deandre Ayton during the NBA offseason — a move that was started by Ayton himself. In the buyout, Ayton is giving up $10 million out of the $35 ...

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton missed his game against the Brooklyn Nets because of ice. Yes, ice. Frozen water. Portland has been dealing with brutally cold weather for most of the ...