Dec 19, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ex-NBA Champion Sends Message to New Lakers Player

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 9:27 PM ET

After trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for young superstar guard Luka Doncic at February's NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers had a huge hole in their lineup that they failed to address: the center position.

While the Lakers nearly acquired young center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, which would have given them a reliable starting center for the remainder of the season, it fell through, and LA had to find a new solution in the offseason. However, they went in an unexpected direction.

After getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, 26-year-old big man Deandre Ayton has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Lakers.

DeAndre Ayton is expected to sign with the Lakers, per @ChrisBHaynes

LA gets their big man pic.twitter.com/V75C3LiFzD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2025

The Lakers desperately needed frontcourt help, and while Ayton was an unexpected addition heading into the summer, he could be their solution. However, it could be his last chance to make an impact in this league.

ESPN analyst and former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins recently shared some advice for Ayton as he heads to his new team.

"He better come in with the right mindset, because this could possibly be his last shot," Perkins said about Ayton. "...You've got your hands full. This should be a moment where you go in and check yourself and say, 'You know what, I'm about to lock in.' People need to see that you're committed in doing the little things."

Perk’s advice to Ayton: Don’t waste this shot with the Lakers, it could be your last pic.twitter.com/DfOwO9SDoy
— Road Trippin’ Show (@RoadTrippinPod) July 4, 2025

"You have a great responsibility," Perkins continued. "You're playing for one of the most historic franchises in sports... You've got to go out there and produce. Period... You cannot fool this Lakers organization, or this Laker fanbase, or the Laker greats, because they will call you out."

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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