Former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton appears to be zeroing in on a new team.
Ayton is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers on Wednesday, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Stein adds that multiple interested teams increasingly believe that Ayton is headed to Los Angeles.
There is nothing terribly surprising about Ayton landing with the Lakers. Many predicted it as a possible landing spot as soon as the Portland Trail Blazers bought him out. The team has a serious need at the center position, and the former top pick fits on paper.
Ayton was limited to 40 games for Portland last season, though he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. The numbers are solid, but his on-court play was erratic at times, and there have been unflattering reports about his off-court habits as well.
The Lakers may be hoping they can offer a more professional environment where players like LeBron James can help keep Ayton in line. That, of course, assumes that LeBron is also still with the Lakers next season.