Deandre Ayton Understands Opportunity with Lakers, Wants to Be Part of a Winning Culture

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Jul 9, 2025 · 36m

Deandre Ayton (and Jake LaRavia) met the local media for the first time on Tuesday afternoon in El Segundo, and not surprisingly, most of the attention was on LA's new starting center.

The vibes around Ayton, who not that long ago was viewed as a potentially ascending star, has definitely soured. Not to a point where nobody wanted him when Portland chose to buy him out and cast him into free agency, but enough that he was seen as potentially damaged goods, and a negative player even for a Lakers roster that quite literally didn't have a center.

Ayton indicated he's aware, and can only show…