Deandre Ayton Wanted To Team With Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers landing Deandre Ayton was essentially the best-case scenario for them at the center position this offseason as they were able to get him at a discount after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

That came somewhat unexpectedly, causing Rob Pelinka to shift his focus after the Lakers had reported interest in other free agents like Clint Capela and Brook Lopez. The hope is that the 26-year-old can rehab his value in L.A. next to Luka Doncic and potentially become the long-term answer at center for the Lakers.

Before signing with the Lakers, there were plenty of playoff-caliber teams trying to bring Ayton in. But, the former No. 1 overall pick deemed L.A. the best basketball fit and specifically wanted to team up with Doncic, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype:

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.

Admittedly, Ayton did not have a quality playmaker at point guard in Portland with the likes of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson. As a pick-and-roll center who relies on his point guard getting him the ball to score, it presumably frustrated him.

Luckily, Doncic is a guard who heavily relies on pick and rolls and is already viewed as one of the best playmakers ever. There will be growing pains, but the Slovenian star has typically done great work with a center that can be a lob and post threat.

Beyond that, defenses will focus their attention on Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, meaning Ayton will get the easiest looks of his career and hopefully, playing with three unselfish players can revitalize his value as a center.

Why Luka Doncic is excited about teaming with Deandre Ayton on Lakers

Dating back to his time with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, Deandre Ayton was a key reason behind Phoenix making it to the NBA Finals. Notably, he had an impressive first-round series against the Lakers, who were defending champions at the time.

Fast forward, he is still young and admitted that he wanted to be in a winning situation when leaving Portland. The stakes do not get higher than playing alongside Luka Doncic, who wants to win now, but the Lakers star is reportedly excited to team with Ayton.