Deandre Ayton reportedly had a messy tenure that ultimately led to the Portland Trail Blazers buying out his contract, but his new squad could help put some of his past issues behind him.

The Los Angeles Lakers adding what many believe to be the key piece their 2024 roster was missing to make an NBA Finals run when they signed 7-foot center DeAndre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal on Wednesday.

Ayton's addition makes the Lakers better on paper. But it will be what happens when no one is watching that demonstrates his biggest impact.