New Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is using the media criticism aimed his way as fuel and motivation.

Joining forces with Doncic and LeBron James could be exactly what Ayton needs to take the next step and play up to his full potential. Following his decision to sign with Los Angeles, Ayton spoke out boldly about Doncic.

Newest Laker Deandre Ayton explains why he chose to play for the Lakers and how he will fit in with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The Los Angeles Lakers no longer orbit around LeBron James. That baton was passed as soon as L.A. finalized the trade that sent out James' handpicked sidekick, Anthony Davis, to acquire Luka Dončić, a 26-year-old megastar more than capable of piloting the Purple and Gold well past the LeBron era.

The decision from LeBron James earlier this summer to pick up his player option for next season from the Los Angeles Lakers came with an important caveat from agent Rich Paul — the four-time NBA MVP wants the chance to win another championship before his career comes to an end.

With that in mind, Los Angeles has now been connected to an intriguing potential trade with the Chicago Bulls. According to a report from Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have had preliminary discussions with the Bulls regarding talented guard Ayo Dosunmu.

One name that has come up in trade rumors lately for the Los Angeles Lakers is Andrew Wiggins. The veteran two-way forward for the Miami Heat is someone whom the Lakers have tried to acquire in a trade,

The Los Angeles Lakers have already made notable additions by signing Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in free agency. But the Lakers aren’t done yet. Reports suggest they had their eyes on acquiring Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat but were initially held back by the steep asking price.