Deandre Ayton's Luka Doncic Message Resurfaces After Lakers News

The Lakers have been linked to multiple frontcourt moves this summer and adding a proven center remains high on their list.

Ayton’s connection to Doncic has come back into the spotlight after an old interview clip resurfaced online. In the clip, Ayton was asked what makes defending Doncic such a challenge. 

“I mean, damn near everything," he said. "He knows where his guys are at on the floor, get to the rim anytime, everybody knows his step back three. He’s a playmaker, man, and a scorer. So we have our hands full.”

This clip has resurfaced amid news from The Athletic's Dan Woike  and others that Ayton is indeed a target for Los Angeles. Ayton and Doncic share a draft history too — both were lottery picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, with Ayton selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns and Doncic going third to the Dallas Mavericks (via Atlanta). They’ve also faced each other in multiple playoff matchups in recent years.

For the Lakers, a potential deal to land Ayton could fill a major need for rim protection and rebounding, while giving Doncic a reliable pick-and-roll partner inside.