[From ESPN]

Free agent center Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN on Wednesday night.

Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Ayton's agents, Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports, reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Wednesday, according to sources.

Ayton finalized a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, with his representatives approaching the franchise about his desire to play in a winning situation and understanding the team's rising number of young centers. Multiple teams reached out to Blazers general manager Joe Cronin to conduct background on Ayton and received strong reviews surrounding Ayton's leadership and mentoring of big men such as Donovan Clingan.

In Los Angeles, Ayton will slide into the starting center slot, provide an anchor and partner with fellow 2018 top pick Luka Doncic with the Lakers. Ayton and Doncic went Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in the 2018 draft, developing a relationship from that class.

Read more of ESPN's story HERE