The Los Angeles Lakers desperately needed a new starting center this NBA offseason, and it didn't take them long to find a solution to that issue. After being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers on June 29, veteran big man Deandre Ayton joined the Lakers on a two-year contract with $16.6 million player option once free agency began.
Even though his career has experienced bumps in recent years, Ayton is easily a massive upgrade over the centers that L.A. was working with last season. It's understandable why the Lakers are excited to have him in town; however, it turns out the feeling is mutual based on how quickly the 26-year-old center took a shot at his former team.
Lakers C Deandre Ayton Takes Quick Shot at Old Team After Signing in L.A.
On Tuesday, Ayton sat down with ESPN LA's Jorge Sedano and Scott Kaplan to talk about the NBA offseason, including his joining the Lakers. When asked about doubters who've questioned his "willingness" to win when it matters the most, the former Arizona product made it clear that the Trail Blazers' mindset prevented him from reaching his full potential.
"You haven’t seen that Finals version of me because the environments were focused on development, not winning," Ayton admitted. "That’s why I’m here. I think I’m about to turn 27. It’s time for me to be back in the conversation about winning before this thing ends."
Drafted first overall in 2018, Ayton experienced three postseason runs in five seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He played in the Western Conference Semifinals three times during that stretch, with the best run coming when the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games in the 2020-21 NBA Finals.
Ayton's time in Phoenix ended in September 2023 when he was moved to Portland in the three-team trade centered around Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Much to Ayton's dismay, though, the Trail Blazers have missed the last two NBA postseasons, going only 57-107 in the regular season along the way.
In other words, it isn't hard to see why Ayton is excited to join a championship-hungry squad in L.A., especially with Portland projected to be a basement-dweller again.
Hopefully, the fresh start with the Lakers will help Ayton play to his potential. The 7-footer is one of the league's best centers when he's on his game, and has averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and .590/.230/.755 shooting splits in 398 games (391 starts) across the last seven seasons. He's also averaged 15.9 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 62.9% from the field in 45 career postseason starts.
Joining two world-class facilitators like LeBron James and Luke Doncic will give Ayton the best chance he's ever had at success. If he capitalizes on this opportunity and stays healthy, the Lakers' latest signing could play a big role in establishing his new team as a top NBA Championship threat next season.