"Deandre Ayton spent the last two years fading away from the national spotlight on a team that was closer to getting the first overall pick than getting to the first round of the playoffs. On Monday, the 7-foot center stood in front of flashing lights, answered questions in a packed news conference and glanced up at a shiny line of 17 championship trophies."
""It's the biggest opportunity, I can say, of my career," Ayton said Monday at Lakers media day. "Some people say it's my last leg, some people say it's my last chance. Well, it's the opportunity I can say I'm truly not going to take for granted.""
"After nine years and three all-defensive team honors with the Boston Celtics, Smart has played in just 54 games over two injury-plagued years with Memphis and Washington. The 31-year-old recognizes some may have forgotten the "Celtics' Marcus Smart" - the player who guarded all five positions, knocked down timely threes and brought contagious, tone-setting toughness."
Deandre Ayton spent two years fading from the national spotlight while playing for a team closer to getting the first overall pick than earning a playoff berth. He was bought out in Portland, criticized for a poor work ethic, and now joins the Lakers eager for a career-reviving opportunity. Ayton called the Lakers' stage the biggest opportunity of his career and vowed not to take it for granted. Marcus Smart also underwent a buyout after injury-plagued seasons, bringing defensive credentials, versatility and contagious toughness. LeBron James praised Smart's team-first qualities. Smart said he will make his presence felt whether starting or coming off the bench.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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