ESPN's Kendrick Perkins disagrees with the notion that the newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton struggled during his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers because he was a winning player put in a losing situation.

The Los Angeles Lakers went into the summer in need of a center. On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the news that the Lakers will sign Deandre Ayton.

According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, Los Angeles is now facing competition from the Indiana Pacers to sign Ayton. Of course, Ayton previously signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet with the Pacers a few years back.

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.

The former No. 1 overall pick was introduced in Los Angeles on Tuesday after signing a two-year, $16.6 million deal in free agency following his buy-out with the Portland Trail Blazers. Judging from what he had to say, he's a bit more excited about what he can do with the Lakers. Specifically, he can't wait to play with Luka Dončić. From ESPN:

More than seven years after being drafted ahead of Luka Doncic, former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton was amazed on Tuesday when considering the chance to team up with the superstar on the Los Angeles Lakers,