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.

The Los Angeles Lakers have looked like a relatively more complete team with the addition of Deandre Ayton in free agency. As the players and the executives display contentment with the moves made, it is abundantly clear that the team needs reinforcements to be considered legitimate title contenders.

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