In his first preseason game with the Lakers, Deandre Ayton played 18 minutes as a starter, posting just 1 point, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 turnovers. After the game, he said he didn't come to the Lakers for the stats.

Deandre Ayton said, "I wanted to show the team what I could do, and I played more on defense than I did on offense. Like I said, I didn't come here for the stats, I came here for the things that the Lakers really wanted me to do. You know, my main goal is to guard the rim. Today I had a lot of fun playing, giving up hot shots and being the inside screen for the team."