It took Deandre Ayton just one press conference to completely win over Lakers fans

Anyone who has been cautious with regard to getting behind the addition of DeAndre Ayton to the Los Angeles Lakers is more than justified in that approach. However, it remains true all the same that the new starting center in Los Angeles made a strong impression in his introductory press conference with his new team.

"It fuels me completely," Ayton said of the doubt. "It's a different type of drive that I've been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in purple and gold. And it's a platform that I cannot run from. I can show what I really am, ... prove the world wrong."

There will still be an undoubtable desire to see Ayton match his actions to his words. The reports coming out of Portland upon his exit via buyout were rather unkind in their depiction of the former first overall pick.

To rule out a career revival completely would be unfair. Several other NBA stars have done it before. Lakers fans will hope Ayton is next in line.

Radiance of hope shines for Ayton through Doncic partnership

A lot of the success that Ayton can have in Los Angeles will be largely tied to his partnership with Luka Doncic. Building around the superstar point guard was always the vision in mind when this move was made.

Ayton enjoyed a successful duo with the last elite playmaker that played alongside him with the Phoenix Suns. That would be Chris Paul. In the three seasons they spent together in the desert, Ayton averaged 16.5 points per game while shooting 61.4 percent from the field.

Ayton's strength of finishing around the rim got to shine with Paul. The new Lakers big man shot 78.5 percent on his buckets from 0-3 feet. 14.4 percent of his field goals attempted came exclusively on dunks, with 311 overall during that time.

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Doncic should be more than capable of helping Ayton replicate the success had with Paul. No one doubts the ability of the Lakers superstar to elevate the bigs he plays with. Jaxson Hayes shooting a career high from the field (72.2 percent) in 2024-25 provides more than enough evidence of that.

Even Ayton understands the opportunity that playing with Doncic offers. That was another thing the Lakers center hit on in his press conference.

"This is an opportunity that I won’t take for granted," Ayton told Mike Trudell. "Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side when he’s doing all of that."

This move may have been born out of desperation and necessity. However, Ayton is on a prove-it deal here with the Lakers. It would be in the best interests of all parties involved that he does just that.