Los Angeles (USA), July 3 (LaPresse) – The Los Angeles Lakers have a new starting center: Deandre Ayton, who signed a two-year contract — with a player option for the second year — with the purple and gold franchise. The Bahamian player arrives in Los Angeles after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, with whom he played the last two seasons. Ayton has been sidelined since last February due to a calf muscle injury that prevented him from playing in the latter part of the season. Over his seven NBA seasons, Ayton averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, with a 59% field goal percentage.