NBA big man Deandre Ayton was one of the best remaining centers on the market this summer after reaching a $25.6 million buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was faced with several options after joining free agency this July, but it didn’t take him long to settle on a deal with the Lakers. According to Hoops Hype, he chose the Lakers for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of his potential for prosperity with Luka Doncic.
“Deandre Ayton received exploratory interest from the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks before joining the Los Angeles Lakers,” wrote Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto. “Ayton ultimately decided the Lakers were the best basketball fit and allowed him the opportunity to join forces with Luka Doncic, who’s the same age and considered the best playmaker in the NBA in Ayton’s eyes. Following success playing with guards such as Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio in Phoenix, Ayton hopes to recreate that playmaking chemistry with Doncic.”
With their rich history and famously large market, the Los Angeles Lakers are always at the top of the list for prospective NBA free agents. In this case, though, it seems the allure of playing with Luka Doncic is what ultimately helped the Lakers secure their latest signing: veteran big man Deandre Ayton.
As a former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton entered the NBA with major expectations. At 7’0″ and 250 pounds, he’s the ideal size for a big man with great coordination and fluidity. In seven seasons in the NBA, he’s averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 56.6% shooting.
After starting his career with the Suns in 2018, Ayton gradually fell out of favor with the fans as he failed to meet expectations on the court. As the seasons came and went, his standing with the Suns saw a negative trajectory while he struggled to maintain effort and focus throughout the entirety of a game. By the end of his Suns tenure, Ayton’s will, work ethic, and passion for the sport were being questioned, and the Trail Blazers gave him an opportunity to change that.
Sadly, the situation was even worse in Portland. Over his two-year stay there, his stats continued to dip, and he was causing trouble behind the scenes with repeated outbursts and temper tantrums that threatened to tear the team apart.
At this point, everyone can agree that Ayton has a lot of work ahead to repair his reputation and restore his place as one of the best bigs in the game. So when it came time to choose his team this summer, it’s no surprise that he picked the one that had Luka Doncic on it, someone who might be able to replicate the success he had with his former teammates, Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio.
Luka is one of the best players in the game right now and arguably the best at his position. With averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game last season, his game is undeniable, and his mere presence helps to elevate the Lakers’ ceiling.
For Ayton, it was a good idea to tap into Luka’s greatness and follow his lead en route to historic success. Deandre knows how Doncic can bring out the best in centers/lob threats, and he expects to have one of his best seasons yet alongside the 5x All-Star.
