New Lakers center Deandre Ayton has the opportunity to silence his critics and transform the team this season.

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 Lakers snapped up Deandre Ayton not long after he hit free agency, negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. The last time he was a free agent, back in 2022, he received a four-year, $133 million offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers,

Social media erupted after seeing Deandre Ayton’s performance in his debut in gold and purple in the preseason game against Phoenix Suns.

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to buy out the final year of center Deandre Ayton’s contract, making him a free agent, an NBA source has confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news Sunday night.

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.

DeAndre Ayton revealed that he had not worked with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and fans wonder about the Lakers’ locker room equation.