Deandre Ayton’s first comments as an LA Lakers star will get the passionate fanbase behind him.
The Los Angeles Lakers finally found their center. After months of playing with Jaxson Hayes as their starting center, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to a $16 million contract.
Ayton last played for the Portland Trail Blazers, agreeing to a buyout before signing with the Lakers. It bodes well for Ayton that JJ Redick is a big fan of him.
Redick isn’t the only vocal supporter of Ayton on the Lakers. Luka Doncic and his relationship with Ayton played a big role in getting the big man to LA.
It appears the feeling is mutual, as Ayton expressed excitement about playing with Doncic next season. But Lakers fans will want more from the big man.
The goal for the LA Lakers is to win a championship next season. And as it turns out, Ayton is not only aware of this goal, but was motivated by this ambition to join the Lakers.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty ImagesDeandre Ayton joined LA Lakers because they are in a ‘winning situation’
The LA Lakers introduced Deandre Ayton as their player for the first time yesterday, and the star took part in a press conference.
When explaining his decision to join the Lakers, Ayton mentioned his desire to compete for an NBA championship. He added that the Lakers want to win a championship, and he shares that ambition.
“I wanted to be in a winning situation, and my agents and I finally got a chance in free agency just to finally evaluate. I feel like the Lakers were in the best position.
“They want to win a championship right now, and I want to win right now as well and just be part of a winning legacy and be around winners.
“And everyone said it was something difficult to think about, but it just brings me back to playing with the Suns and being part of a winning organization. Once you win, everything is easy, really.
“And that’s what I want to be a part of again. The last two years was just a different route for me, and I just learned a lot that when you don’t win in this league, you can be forgotten. I’m just glad Lakers Nation welcomed me with open arms.”
LA Lakers must continue adding to their roster
The Lakers haven’t been very active during this free agency period. In fact, they lost a big piece, as Dorian Finney-Smith signed with the Houston Rockets over them.
In his place, the Lakers signed Jake LaRavia, who does a lot of the same things that Finney-Smith does, but not at the same level.
Right now, their roster is still not at the level that other contenders in the West, like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Rockets, are at.
And so, Rob Pelinka must make sure he works hard to try and land some players that can help make the Lakers contenders.
If not, the Lakers risk losing LeBron James, as his agent Rich Paul made it clear that James wants to compete for a championship.