After watching the free agent center options dry up, the Lakers remain the somewhat reluctant favorites to land Deandre Ayton.

One of the most hyped prospects in NBA history makes his Summer League debut Thursday. Cooper Flagg's Mavs face Bronny James and the Lakers.

Deandre Ayton received exploratory interest from the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks (before agreeing to a deal with Myles Turner) before

The Lakers still seem to be in pole position to sign Deandre Ayton, but the Pacers are looming after losing Myles Turner.

ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent. This has led to increased speculation about Ayton potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in search of a key center.

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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.

The newest Indiana Pacers center played collegiately in the ACC and hadn't broken through to a NBA regular until last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly seeking youth and athleticism to emulate the two teams from the NBA Finals.

Damian Lillard is officially a free agent after being released by the Milwaukee Bucks following their move to sign Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers. Since his release, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams that have been mentioned as a possible landing spot.