Luka Doncic is excited about the opportunity to play with Deandre Ayton, who signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their new starting center, signing free agent Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal. Luka Doncic is reportedly eager to run pick-and-rolls with the Bahamian big man.
According to The Athletic’s David Aldridge and Dan Woike, Doncic is “excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton.”
Both players are 26, represented by longtime agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, and were drafted in 2018—Ayton went No. 1 overall, while Luka was selected third.
Ayton became an unrestricted free agent after finalizing a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, giving up $10 million of his guaranteed $35.6 million salary for 2025–26.
The LA Lakers acted quickly, signing him to a contract worth $16.6 million over two years.
Ayton will earn $8.1 million from the Lakers in the 2025–26 season, with the second year being a player option.
Last season in Portland, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds across 40 games.
After their first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers made upgrading at center a priority. They were determined to add a strong pick-and-roll partner and lob threat to anchor the frontcourt alongside Doncic.
