In Los Angeles, Ayton will slide into the starting center slot, provide an anchor and partner with fellow 2018 top pick Luka Doncic with the Lakers. Ayton and Doncic went Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in the 2018 draft, developing a relationship from that class.

Two people with knowledge of the deal tell The Associated Press that center Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent