LOS ANGELES – Coming into the offseason, one of the Los Angeles Lakers ’ most obvious needs was a starting center. While Jaxson Hayes filled in admirably following the Anthony Davis trade, the playoffs showed he is more suited to being a reserve center. With little to no trade assets to acquire what they needed, the Lakers potentially struck gold in free agency with the signing of Deandre Ayton .

Deandre Ayton is expected to slot in as the Lakers starting center this season, and his critics around the NBA world have speculated that this is potentially his last chance in the NBA. During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team reportedly took issue with some of Ayton’s behavior . Now with the Lakers, Ayton is well aware of the perception of him and he’s heard his doubter

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