Ayton: I told Rui Hachimura that I never thought I could play for the Lakers. Everyone likes me.

In the NBA preseason, the Lakers defeated the Warriors 126-116.

After the game, Ayton accepted an interview with reporters. He said: "I told Rui Hachimura that I never thought about playing for the Lakers in my life. Everyone expressed great love for me. I had a great time tonight."

In this campaign, Ayton played 26 minutes, making 6 of 8 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 14 points, 8 rebounds (3 offensive rebounds), 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.