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

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.

For Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, 41, the end is nigh. It will come soon, whether with the Lakers or another team, and it likely will come with all the adulation one of North American sports' all-time greats deserves.