Lakers Media Day: Ayton Welcomes Pressure of ‘Biggest Opportunity’ With Los Angeles
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LOS ANGELES — Speaking to reporters at the UCLA Health Training Center on Sept. 29, 2025, newly signed center Deandre Ayton called his move to the Los Angeles Lakers the “biggest opportunity” of his career and said he is eager to prove he can thrive under heightened expectations.
The former No. 1 overall pick joined the Lakers after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, immediately stepping into a starting role alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Ayton acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with playing in Los Angeles but described that pressure as motivating. “Pressure is a privilege, and I’m in the right place where everything counts and the fans want us to win,” he said. “I’m here to add to that legacy by bringing a title here.”
Ayton, 27, emphasized that he does not view his arrival as merely another stop in his seven-year career. “Some people say it’s my last chance. Well, this is an opportunity I’m not going to take for granted,” he told reporters. “I’ve been in the gym every day, and I’m somewhere where it counts now.”
Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said the organization targeted Ayton as its top free-agent priority once the center became available. Pelinka added that early workouts left the front office “impressed” with Ayton’s conditioning and focus.
The 6-foot-11 center averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 2024-25 with Portland. He now joins a Lakers team seeking immediate front-court stability after last season’s early playoff exit. Ayton reiterated that his daily approach is straightforward: “Stay in the gym, stay consistent, and prove to the organization and my teammates that I’m ready.”
The Lakers open training camp this week, with Ayton projected to start at center when the team begins preseason play next month.
Source: Lakers Nation
