The Los Angeles Lakers desperately needed a center this offseason. And after Brook Lopez and Myles Turner went elsewhere, signing the recently bought-out Deandre Ayton felt like the only way to salvage an otherwise quiet offseason.

LeBron's agent Rich Paul has previously told ESPN that "LeBron wants to compete for a championship" and that remains his priority. With how close he is to retirement and their recent addition of Luka Dončić, LeBron's approach and the Lakers approach may no longer match.

Deandre Ayton helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. He was traded to the Trail Blazers and now is joining the Lakers.