No Welcome Text? Deandre Ayton Reveals Not Speaking to LeBron James Since Lakers Move

The remark has caused some basketball fans to take notice, even though it’s still the NBA offseason and may not matter. Some fans went as far as to claim that James is leaving the franchise over this mere stunt. However, that does not seem to be the case. Players are always spending time off the internet and social media during their offseason.

Not everyone is as active as the current generation. James is an old head and enjoys time off the court by hanging out with his family and friends. This may be one of the reasons he has not reached out to Ayton after signing as a Laker.

As for the newest Laker, Ayton is shooting an effective 56.6% from the field and posting 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks a game over 398 career games. It remains to be seen how he performs alongside Doncic and James in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

Deandre Ayton spoke highly of his new teammates, LeBron James and Luka Doncic

As soon as it was revealed, the Trailblazers were buying out Ayton’s contract, the Lakers were all over to snap up the star. The LA-based side was in desperate need of a starting center, having lost Anthony Davis in a trade deal to acquire Luka Doncic. Now, they have their center in Ayton, who recently received much praise for his new teammates, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

They both average about nine assists over their career span, and just the type of players they create with their teammates. They turn them into superstars, they make them bigger than their roles, they make them very important on the floor. Just seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience that would be big for me.

Deandre Ayton told the media

Ayton spent two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and five years with the Phoenix Suns before moving to Los Angeles. He was a major contributor to the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run and has started 391 of his 398 career games. The Lakers will be hoping Ayton turns back the clock and provides them with a generational run towards the NBA title in the coming season.

Deandre Ayton ‘glad’ to be on Luka Doncic’s side

Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic have been playing in the NBA since 2018. Both have known each other for many years and have known their gameplay since playing against each other for years now. That said, years later, both stars play for the same team. Ayton is ecstatic about it as well. He wasted little time in praising Doncic before his team debut.

He’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side.

Deandre Ayton told ESPN

There have been many discussions about Ayton’s ability to be consistent since he joined the Lakers recently. However, with the likes of Doncic and James, the Lakers hope that Ayton will provide a major boost to the side and be a great asset for the team in the upcoming season.

Ayton and Doncic together can be a great combination if they click as soon as possible for the Lakers in the upcoming season. The fans also hope that Ayton and Doncic can lead the team with some new combinations on the court alongside James and Austin Reeves.