The Los Angeles Lakers desperately needed a center this offseason. And after Brook Lopez and Myles Turner went elsewhere, signing the recently bought-out Deandre Ayton felt like the only way to salvage an otherwise quiet offseason.

Deandre Ayton, the Los Angeles Lakers' new free agent signing, will be the ninth No. 1 overall pick to be a teammate of LeBron's. That's the most in league history. MORE: Lakers make 'insane' decision that could jeopardize future with LeBron, Luka

Center Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not yet be announced between the Lakers and Ayton,