The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week, signing 26-year-old and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal.

Joining forces with Doncic and LeBron James could be exactly what Ayton needs to take the next step and play up to his full potential. Following his decision to sign with Los Angeles, Ayton spoke out boldly about Doncic.

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.