Deandre Ayton Understands Opportunity with Lakers, Wants to Be Part of a Winning Culture

Deandre Ayton (and Jake LaRavia) met the local media for the first time on Tuesday afternoon in El Segundo, and not surprisingly, most of the attention was on LA's new starting center. The vibes around Ayton, who not that long ago was viewed as a potentially ascending star, has definitely soured. Not to a point where nobody wanted him when Portland chose to buy him out and cast him into free agency, but enough that he was seen as potentially damaged goods, and a negative player even for a Lakers roster that quite literally didn't have a center. Ayton indicated he's aware, and can only show that he cares, and that he wants to be part of a winning culture. The opportunity to be part of something like that -- led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James -- was a major reason he signed with the Lakers. Ayton says he understands the spotlight, can't hide from it, and doesn't want to. Obviously the proof will be in the pudding, but right now, there's no pudding to be in (so to speak). All he can do in July is say the right things and get to work in the facility, and in that sense he's off to a good start. LaRavia, meanwhile, comes with a chip on his shoulder, having been (in his mind at least) underestimated and undervalued by a pair of teams to this point, but also understands there's work to do establishing real value as an NBA player. He shot the three well last year, but needs more volume before he can truly call himself a high end shooter. So everyone seemed to arrive at the facility with some self-awareness. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the Summer Lakers wrapped up the California Classic. Did Dalton Knecht rebound and restore some confidence... if not in himself, in Lakers fans? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Ayton meets the media. SEGMENT 2: Saying the right stuff? SEGMENT 3: A successful finish to the California Classic? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.