Deandre Ayton has played alongside stars before, but joining forces with Luka Doncic with the Los Angeles Lakers feels surreal for the former top pick.
Ayton, 26, signed with the Lakers this offseason after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. Being able to team up with LeBron James and his draft-mate Doncic was a big part of his decision to join the Lakers.
“It feels like a video game, like somebody set it up,” Ayton said after being asked about teaming with Doncic. “I think somebody set this up. But, honestly, this is an opportunity I won’t take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player. Hearing the shape he’s in, he’s super ripped. I’m finally glad to be on this side while he’s doing all of that. I’m truly excited.”
Ayton spent the past two seasons with the Blazers. The 7-foot, 252-pound big man appeared in 40 games — all starts — for Portland during the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game.
Lakers Star Luka Doncic Committed to Conditioning
Doncic’s conditioning has come under scrutiny following his blockbuster move to the Lakers. However, all indications suggest he’s committed to reshaping his body and entering next season in the best form of his career.
“Doncic has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan,” Dan Woike of The Athletic said. “In a shift from his normal offseason, he spent a month away from on-court work to focus more on his body. Doncic has looked visibly slimmer in photos and is now back working out with Slovenia readying for EuroBasket competition later this summer.”
Doncic played in 28 games following the trade to the Lakers last season. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in purple and gold.
New Lakers Big Man Deandre Ayton Fueled by Doubters
As a former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton has faced his share of criticism in recent seasons. But with a fresh start in Los Angeles, he’s motivated to prove himself and remind everyone what he’s capable of.
“It fuels me. It fuels me up completely. And it’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time,” Ayton said of the critcism he’s faced. “I think this is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold. And it’s a platform I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well. It is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world.”
He also made his intentions clear for his time with the Lakers.
“We want to win a championship right now,” Ayton said.
The Lakers are among the top contenders for a title. ESPN BET has the LA at +1,400 to win the title, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers.
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