NBA Star DeAndre Ayton Opens Community Center in St. Elizabeth

DeAndre Ayton and his Ayton Family Foundation have launched their first Jamaican project with the opening of a community center in St. Elizabeth, providing food, school supplies, health services, and more to local residents. “Back to where it all began,” the newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center shared on Instagram

DeAndre Ayton, alongside his mother (right), shares a proud moment during the launch of their new community center in St. Elizabeth (Photo: The Ayton Family Foundation)

Jamaican-Bahamian NBA star DeAndre Ayton, together with his Ayton Family Foundation, has expanded his philanthropic efforts to Jamaica by opening a revitalized community center in St. Elizabeth. The Cedar Spring Community Center will provide vital resources such as food, games, school supplies, health services, and more to the local community.

Ayton recently visited the island with his family, including his mother, who is of Jamaican descent, and former NBA star Dwight Howard, to mark the opening. “Back to where it all began. Together, we opened the doors to a renewed Cedar Spring Community Center in St. Elizabeth,” Ayton shared on Instagram. “Jamaica — the first AFF project on the island! With food, games, school supplies, health services, and a lot of love, we celebrated the strength and joy of this beautiful community.”

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Ayton was selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. After spending two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton was recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Blazers reportedly bought out the remainder of his contract, allowing him to sign a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers, including a player option for the 2026–27 season. He is still expected to earn over $25 million from Portland while suiting up alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić next season.

The 26-year-old Center has played in 398 NBA games over seven seasons, averaging 16.4 points, and 10.5 rebounds per game.