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Portland Trail Blazers Finalizing a Contract Buyout With Deandre Ayton: Report 7 Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots a jump shot during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

'Feels Like a Video Game' – Los Angeles Lakers’ New Center Reflects on Joining the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 7:39 AM ET

The newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Deandre Ayton, was finally, officially introduced to the media on Tuesday. The Lakers pursued Ayton after he negotiated a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and became an unrestricted free agent. After two seasons where he wasn’t in the playoffs, the former No. 1 pick became motivated to join a contending team.

Ayton is now teammates with his fellow 2018 draftee, Luka Doncic. Many believe he’s the ideal center to be paired with Doncic, given his aggressiveness to attack the rim as a pick-and-roll partner. Additionally, he’ll share the floor with LeBron James, who plays a similar brand of basketball to the Slovenian star.

There’s a lot of expectation for the Lakers after signing Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract. The team has set its sights on competing for a championship, and they believe the addition of the Bahamian center puts them in an ideal situation in the Western Conference.

As he was introduced as an official Laker, he took a moment to reflect on how he ended up with the organization.

“It feels like a video game, like somebody set it up,” Ayton said. “I think somebody set this up.

“It feels like a video game… I think somebody set this up.”
Deandre Ayton reflects on joining the Lakers and the surreal moment of putting on the purple and gold.
Watch the full press conference: https://t.co/QduXFJP8sK pic.twitter.com/99qTRARyaR

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) July 9, 2025

Following that, he expressed his appreciation for the Los Angeles Lakers for the chance to play with a player like Doncic.

“This is an opportunity I won’t take for granted. Luka’s once in a generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing the shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side… I’m just truly excited. I’m a student of the game, I love playing with a passion and the love I have received, not even throwing in the jersey yet, it’s — I can only show you, guys, my appreciation.”

The real reason why Ayton joined the Los Angeles Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans: Why Kelly Olynyk Isn't Shocked With Yves Missi's Inclusion in the 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team 1 Nov 4, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Countless players have joined the Los Angeles Lakers due to the rich history of winning. The franchise has earned 17 NBA titles, the second-most in history. The only team that has the most is the Boston Celtics, with 18.

Although there’s a lot of pressure when joining the Lakers, players still take pride in getting a chance to play for the franchise. On Tuesday, Ayton revealed the reason why he chose to play for L.A.

“I want to say first, thanks to the Portland Trail Blazers. Great organization as well. It wasn’t tough making this decision, but just taking my time and embracing being a free agent… I felt that the Lakers were the best fit,” Ayton said.

Deandre Ayton on joining the Lakers: pic.twitter.com/X49AOBaFqQ

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) July 8, 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers are satisfied with the acquisition of the former Arizona star as they get ready for the 2025-26 season.

Los Angeles Lakers Legend Gets 100% Honest About Biggest Threat in Timberwolves Series 1 Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates with forward LeBron James (center) and Austin Reaves (right) after scoring against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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