In his first public interview since being traded, NBA big man Deandre Ayton spoke up about his move to Los Angeles. As he made his opening statement to the media, Ayton confirmed that the Lakers are all-in on the championship pursuit.
“I want to win and be part of a winning legacy,” said Ayton. “We want to win a championship right now.”
Ayton, 26, came to the Lakers after an underwhelming stretch in Portland, which ended this summer when they bought out his contract. The former No. 1 overall pick has not yet reached expectations, but he’s eager to prove the haters wrong one game at a time.
“It fuels me,” said Ayton on the haters. “It fuels me completely. There’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing. You know, here in the Purple and Gold, and it’s a platform that I cannot run from. You know, I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me. There’s a lot of fuel in me to prove the whole world wrong.”
Ayton has struggled with his work ethic and drive in the past, but he says that he’s ready to live up to the standard set by great Lakers centers before him. He already has a close relationship with Shaq, and he’s looking forward to developing his chemistry with Luka Doncic.
“Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate,” Ayton said. “Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped, and I’m finally glad to be on his side. It feels like playing a video game.”
The Lakers desperately needed a center after trading Anthony Davis (and returning Mark Williams). While Ayton was not their first choice, they are happy with the acquisition, given that he was one of the best centers still available at the time.
With career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, he’s got the skills and talent to make a difference in the backcourt. At 7’0″ and 250 pounds, he’s also got the size to help the Lakers match up against bigger teams like the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Thunder.
Plus, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James at his side, Ayton will be set up to have his best season yet. The Lakers’ stars know how to set up their teammates, and Ayton will be able to feast off lobs and frequent passes in the paint.
Despite his controversial background, the Lakers are excited to have Ayton, and head coach JJ Redick is confident he can develop a plan that will bring out the most in the 7-year veteran. The Lakers’ performance and standing in the West will depend greatly on Ayton and whether or not he rises to the occasion.
By the looks of it, the young big man is ready to achieve great things for the Lakers, and this could be the start of a prosperous era for himself and the franchise.
