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.

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

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 ...

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.

Now, Ayton is out for at least a month with a calf strain, the Trail Blazers announced. The left calf injury happened in Portland’s game against Denver on Monday night. Ayton’s injury, a sprained ankle to Scoot Henders (who also had been on a roll), plus a couple of tough losses have dampened the postseason enthusiasm in Portland.

Deandre Ayton recorded 26 points and nine rebounds to help the Portland Trail Blazers cruise to a 115-106 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Friday night in NBA Cup action.