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Luka Doncic's Reaction Surfaces After Lakers' Decision on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 10:52 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers took a major step toward strengthening their frontcourt on Wednesday by signing Deandre Ayton after he cleared waivers, per ESPN's Shams Charania . The move comes after months of speculation that the franchise would pursue a younger, athletic big man to pair with Luka Doncic as they look to push deeper into the playoffs next season.

Ayton’s arrival addresses one of the team’s most glaring needs. After struggling to protect the rim and secure rebounds during their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers now bring in a proven big man to slot alongside two of the league’s most gifted playmakers in LeBron James and Doncic.

While Lakers fans continue to soak in the news, a new report revealed Doncic's true reaction to the team's decision to bring in Ayton. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Slovenian superstar is fully on board with the move.

“Doncic, according to league sources, is excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton,” Woike reported on Wednesday.

REPORT: Luka Doncic is “excited” about the opportunity to play with Deandre Ayton, per @DanWoikeSports pic.twitter.com/MxcD8miIGR
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) July 3, 2025

The two share an interesting connection, both having been top picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Ayton and Doncic were selected No. 1 and No. 3 overall, respectively. They also share an agent.

The fit on the court makes sense on paper. Doncic’s elite vision and ball-handling thrive with a strong pick-and-roll big like Ayton, who brings size, rim protection, and finishing ability at the basket. With Ayton now in purple and gold, the Lakers hope his presence will free up Doncic to create more in the half-court, while he also takes on some of the team's defensive burden.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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