This article was originally published on www.si.com as Deandre Ayton Had One Big Reason for Wanting to Sign With the Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are putting the pieces together for their run in the coming 2025-26 NBA season.

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers' hope that Deandre Ayton can solve their issues at center next season, at least one person who used to work for one of his former clubs is pessimistic about the 26-year-old making a positive impact.

After the Portland Trail Blazers and Deandre Ayton agreed to a buyout, the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft received interest from five teams. However, Ayton chose to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers,