Once a key cog on a Suns team that was two wins away from winning the 2021 NBA title, Ayton admits that his time in Portland was a challenge but says the chance to play alongside Luka Doncic and

Ayton's addition makes the Lakers better on paper. But it will be what happens when no one is watching that demonstrates his biggest impact.

Deandre Ayton knows he needs to rewrite his narrative. He went from being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to now being plagued by questions about his maturity and motor. He went from referring to himself as "Domin-Ayton" during his introductory press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers two years ago to being waived by them this summer after they negotiated a contract buyout.