The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move to support Luka Doncic on Wednesday evening. After a few days of anticipation, the team was able to agree to terms with free agent center and former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
Ayton has a chance to be the long-term center option the Lakers have badly needed. However, there are questions about his ability to turn his career around and finally live up to the hype that he received when he originally came into the NBA.
Doncic is the new face of the franchise. LeBron James is still in town, but there have been rumors flying about his future with the team.
Rob Pelinka is fully focused on building the team around Doncic. Adding a piece like Ayton is a clear fit for Doncic’s play style, as the big man will be a dynamic lob threat in pick and roll scenarios for Los Angeles.
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Following the move being made, a new report has revealed what Doncic’s feelings about the acquisition of Ayton actually are.
According to a report from The Athletic, Doncic is thrilled with the idea of playing with Ayton.
“Ayton was a surprise addition to this year’s free agency class, negotiating a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers on Sunday night and surrendering a reported $10 million of a $34 million deal. Ayton and Dončić are both represented Bill Duffy, the longtime agent who heads WME Basketball,” they wrote.
“Dončić, according to league sources, is excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton.”
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton played in 40 games. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block per game. In 2023-24, he averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assist, and a steal in 55 games.
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Those numbers show major promise for a team who had Jaxson Hayes as its starting center last season.
There is no question that Ayton will be an upgrade at the position. He will be given a chance to play for a contender, which is something he hasn’t been able to do over the last two years.
If Doncic and Ayton can get on the same page and play to their full potential, the Lakers will have improved dramatically from one move.
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