The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to provide stability at an undeniably weak position. Los Angeles' failed trade for Mark Williams left a massive void at center, and while backup Jaxson Hayes did an admirable job near the end of the regular season, he struggled to find minutes during the playoffs.
While most expect Ayton to be a crucial contributor as a productive center, it's becoming clear that he's the ultimate X-Factor in Los Angeles—and even one of the franchise stars has acknowledged it.
The Lakers signed Ayton to a two-year, $16.208 million contract after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.