After he displayed some very concerning behavior with the Portland Trail Blazers over the last two years, Ayton has been accused of being a malcontent by critics. At his introductory press conference after signing with the Lakers, he said he wants to prove those critics wrong.

Deandre Ayton is one of the newest faces of the Los Angeles Lakers, but he is still waiting to hear from his most famous teammate.

Former Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton was introduced as a new member of the Los Angeles Lakers this week. During the press conference, Ayton said he learned a lot during his two seasons in Portland but was looking forward to winning with the Lakers.

Because he suggested this week new Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is just as impactful a player as former NBA MVPs Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Last week, the Lakers made their first — and maybe only — splash this offseason when they signed Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers veteran Deandre Ayton.

He also revealed a somewhat surprising fact about his personal life that is Lakers-related. He said that he has a relationship with team legend Shaquille O'Neal that goes back to his days as a kid playing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.

The Los Angeles Lakers revealed what jersey numbers their new additions Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero will wear.

After a deadline deal for Mark Williams fell through, L.A. was left severely undermanned in the frontcourt, and that proved to be their undoing in the playoffs as they got bullied by Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves in the first round.