‘He’s a beast’… What Deandre Ayton said about LA Lakers star shows he would love to get the chance to play with him

LA Lakers looking at Deandre Ayton

ESPN insider Shams Charania has confirmed the LA Lakers are considering a move for Deandre Ayton.

Ayton was the former number one overall pick, who played in the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

This meant Ayton was taken in the same draft as Luka Doncic, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers in a shock move in 2025.

Ayton has huge respect for Luka Doncic, displayed by his words in 2019, speaking to The Undefeated. 

He said: “I watch his games all the time. He’s a beast.”

Ayton also referred to their relationship, commenting: “I don’t talk to him every day, but we’re pretty cool. The respect level is right there.”

Ayton and Doncic have shared connection

There is a shared connection between the two stars of the 2018 Draft class. Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton share the same agent.

Ayton will have options in a center-needy league, with the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors among the teams looking for reinforcements.

But the LA Lakers are always a pull, and the Luka Doncic connection is one worth noting.