The Los Angeles Lakers have formally added DeAndre Ayton to their roster, finishing a long-awaited pairing with celebrity Luka Doncic.
The duo had been “motivated” to affix forces ever since they entered the league collectively in 2018, NBA insider Marc Stein revealed.
“Ayton and Luka Dončić have been buddies since they had been chosen No. 1 total and No. 3, respectively, within the 2018 NBA Draft,” Stein wrote. “The prospect of the pair changing into teammates first materialized 5 years later when the [Dallas] Mavericks entered into superior commerce talks with Phoenix to accumulate Ayton together with the 2023 NBA Draft. But these talks finally collapsed. Solely now, two years on, will Ayton and Dončić formally turn into teammates later Sunday. The Bahamian huge man requested the [Portland] Path Blazers to purchase out the ultimate season of his contract and he dedicated Wednesday to teaming up with the Slovenian star after clearing waivers. The gamers share an agent – WME Sports activities’ head of basketball Invoice Duffy – and had been motivated to staff up given the Lakers’ well-chronicled want for a front-line middle.”
The Lakers signed Ayton to a two-year deal shortly after his buyout from Portland. The transfer fills a evident gap at middle after Jaxson Hayes was benched within the 2025 playoffs.
LAL despatched Anthony Davis to Dallas final season within the blockbuster commerce for Doncic, leaving them skinny up entrance. With Ayton now within the fold, the Lakers consider they’ve discovered an ideal complement for Doncic’s skillset.
Ayton averaged 14.4 factors, 10.2 rebounds and one block per sport on 56.6 % capturing final season with the Blazers.
He has recorded a double-double yearly of his profession and was instrumental in Phoenix’s run to the 2021 NBA Finals.
