Once a key cog on a Suns team that was two wins away from winning the 2021 NBA title, Ayton admits that his time in Portland was a challenge but says the chance to play alongside Luka Doncic and

Deandre Ayton Has a Personal Nickname for Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Deandre Ayton’s fresh start with the Lakers is already turning heads. Ayton is stepping in to help fill the massive void left by Anthony Davis, and he’s clearly not wasting any time settling into life in purple and gold.

Deandre Ayton knows he needs to rewrite his narrative. He went from being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to now being plagued by questions about his maturity and motor. He went from referring to himself as "Domin-Ayton" during his introductory press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers two years ago to being waived by them this summer after they negotiated a contract buyout.