"This is a platform I can’t run from" - Deandre Ayton wastes no time stating championship plans after joining Lakers with Luka Doncic

New LA Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton shared his thoughts on joining a team that has championship aspirations next season.

During his introductory press conference with the Lakers on Tuesday, Ayton said he is thrilled to join the Lakers and his eyes are "most definitely" set on winning in LA.

"Portland Trail Blazers, they had a different route and I wanted to be in a winning situation," Ayton said. "My agents and I finally get a chance in free agency just to finally evaluate [that] the Lakers was the best position.

"We want to win a championship right now and I wanna win right now. And I just wanna be part of a winning legacy and just be around winners."

Ayton signed with the Lakers on Sunday after he and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed on a contract buyout on June 29.

While many pundits and fans believe that the 7-foot center is talented, there are lingering questions about his effort and consistency. A reporter asked Ayton about the criticisms he is receiving regarding his play.

"It fuels me up completely," Ayton said. "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 the purple and gold. It's a platform that I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well.

"[There's] a lot of fuel in me to prove the whole world wrong."

Ayton joins a Lakers team led by four-time NBA champion LeBron James and five-time first-team All-NBA selection Luka Doncic. LA (50-32) finished last season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and secured the Pacific Division. However, they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in five games.

Per Sportrac, Ayton's deal with the Lakers is worth $16.2 million for two years, with a player option in the second season. In the contract buyout, he gave up a reported $10 million of the remaining $34 million in his contract.

Deandre Ayton is grateful to the Blazers

Deandre Ayton opened his introductory press conference with the LA Lakers by extending his gratitude to his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

"I want to say first, thanks to the Portland Trail Blazers," Ayton said. "Great organization as well. It wasn’t tough making this decision, but just taking my time and embracing being a free agent."

Ayton added that aside from the winning legacy and a passionate fanbase, the Lakers have two of the NBA's best playmakers in LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

"I felt that the Lakers were the best fit, being around the two best playmakers in the league.”

Ayton was acquired by Portland as part of the three-team blockbuster trade in September 2023, which included All-Stars Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. He played 95 games in two years with the Blazers, averaging 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds.