Deandre Ayton had key reason for wanting to join Lakers

Deandre Ayton moved quickly to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers once he was able to pick a new team, and there was one major motivating factor for his decision.

Ayton received widespread interest in free agency, but the Lakers were his primary focus because of Luka Doncic’s presence, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Ayton viewed the Lakers as the best basketball fit, and values playing with Doncic, who he sees as the league’s best playmaker.

Ayton was successful with and enjoyed playing alongside the likes of Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio while with the Phoenix Suns, and is hoping to form a similar on-court relationship with Doncic.

Notably, teams that reached out to the Portland Trail Blazers for feedback on Ayton received positive reviews. That runs counter to some of the stories that emerged about him after he was bought out.

Obviously, the Lakers give Ayton a chance to play for a contender, as well as the opportunity to play with LeBron James. Doncic, however, seems to have been the real draw, which is certainly a change in how the Lakers have been perceived by players recently.

Ayton’s best seasons came in Phoenix when he was paired with a high-end point guard. His best year came in the abbreviated 2019-20 campaign, in which he averaged 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. If he can come close to that with the Lakers, they will be thrilled.