The Los Angeles Lakers brought in some new players that they believe will help this team reach the next level and truly become championship contenders.

The Los Angeles Lakers need their supporting cast to step up, and there are concerns that they won't get the best version of Deandre Ayton.

Through two preseason games, Ayton has struggled to find his rhythm, recording just eight points in 39 minutes. The 27-year-old center, who has faced criticism in the past regarding his work ethic and consistency, made a surprising admission to reporters on Wednesday.

Over the last few days, the Los Angeles Lakers have been participating in training camp and practicing in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The only problem is that LeBron James and Luka Doncic have not been practicing alongside the rest of the team for vague injury reasons that evidently restrict them from being around their teammates.

General manager Rob Pelinka is taking a low-risk, high-reward flier on Ayton and it is safe to assume playing alongside to Luka Doncic will help him out. The 27-year-old agreed with that narrative as he thinks having a facilitator like Doncic will be a massive help towards his production.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/lakers as Lakers' Deandre Ayton Sends Message After 1-Point Performance in Preseason Opener. In his first-ever game with the Los Angeles Lakers, a 103-81 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert on Friday, newly signed starting center Deandre Ayton failed to make a major splash.

LA Lakers marquee free agency addition, Deandre Ayton, debuted against his former team, the Phoenix Suns, in Friday's preseason game. The former No. 1 pick's signing was a polarizing move.