Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic: A New Era for the Lakers?
After more than seven years since he was selected two spots before Luka Doncic in the NBA Draft, Deandre Ayton was astonished to consider the possibility of joining Doncic on the Lakers.While a better-shaped Doncic could help the Lakers in the competitive Western Conference next season, Ayton’s arrival could be even more significant. Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka identified the center position as the team’s main need for the offseason. Ayton, 26, is 7 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds, with career averages of 16.4 points on 59.0% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract, with a player option for the second year after being bought out of his contract with the Trail Blazers. Ayton, who was a key piece on a Suns team that was two wins away from winning the 2021 NBA Finals, admitted that his time in Portland was a challenge.“This feels like a video game, like someone set it up,” Ayton said in his press conference. “This is an opportunity I won’t take for granted. Luka is a unique player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the way he’s been, he’s super in shape and I’m finally glad to be on his side.”
Deandre Ayton
“I feel like the Lakers were the best position for me,” Ayton said. “They want to win a championship right now and I want to win right now too and be part of a winning legacy and be around winners. … The last two years were a different path for me and I learned a lot that when you don’t win in this league, you can be forgotten.”
Deandre AytonAny uncertainty about the Lakers being led by Doncic and LeBron James once again next season was apparently forgotten inside the Lakers’ training facilities on Monday. Both Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, who was also introduced after signing a two-year, $12 million free agency contract with Los Angeles, repeatedly referred to how they plan to fit in with the two stars.LaRavia added: “There are many obviously very, very good players on this team, Luka and LeBron. Players with a high IQ, who have been in the league a long time. I’m excited to join them and learn.” Last month, James opted into the final year of his contract with Los Angeles worth $52.6 million. After the contract decision, his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said the four-time MVP would be closely monitoring the subsequent moves by Los Angeles.“They both average around nine assists throughout their careers,” Ayton said. “They turn [their teammates] into superstars, make them bigger than their roles, make them very important on the court.”
Deandre AytonSince James’ declaration, Los Angeles moved up in the second round to select strong forward Adou Thiero from Arkansas, signed Ayton and LaRavia, and re-signed center Jaxson Hayes. As for Doncic, on August 2nd, the Lakers can offer him a four-year, $229 million extension. Doncic could also opt to sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a player option in 2028, which would then allow him to sign a maximum contract in 2028 that would give him 35% of the salary cap for five seasons. The Lakers’ roster is currently at full capacity, with 15 players signed. Backup point guard Shake Milton’s $3 million contract for next season is fully guaranteed on July 20th, and backup Jordan Goodwin’s $2.3 million contract is guaranteed for only $25,000 until the first day of the regular season.“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic opportunity to win it all.”
Rich Paul
