Deandre Ayton is getting a fresh start in Hollywood — and he couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to play next to one of the game’s brightest stars.
The 26-year-old center signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, accepting a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers to chase something bigger: winning. And while he brings size, rebounding, and an offensive skill set that the Lakers have desperately needed, Ayton says it was the chance to team up with Luka Dončić that really made it all feel surreal.
“It feels like a video game,” Ayton told NBA insider Dave McMenamin. “Luka is a once-in-a-generation player, and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in — he’s super ripped — and I’m finally glad to be on his side.”
Deandre Ayton Calls Playing With Luka Dončić a Video Game Dream — Now He’s Ready to Make It Real With Lakers
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Ayton’s enthusiasm isn’t just lip service. He’s stepping into a vital role as the Lakers’ new starting center with a chance to reset the narrative surrounding his career. A former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton has had his moments — including a trip to the NBA Finals with Phoenix — but consistency and commitment have sometimes been in question. Injuries, effort issues, and locker-room tensions contributed to his exit from Portland. But Ayton says he’s ready to prove himself in purple and gold.
“It fuels me,” Ayton said of the criticism he’s received. “It’s a different type of drive I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. This is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold. It’s a platform I cannot run from.”
When healthy, Ayton has shown what he can bring to a contender. In 40 games last season with the Blazers, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and shot 56.6% from the field. At his best, he’s a walking double-double with the ability to run the floor, finish lobs, and protect the paint. And alongside Luka Dončić — one of the best playmakers in the world — Ayton should have no shortage of opportunities to thrive.
The Lakers are hoping this pairing blossoms into more than just a short-term fix. With Dončić only 26 himself and LeBron James nearing the twilight of his legendary career, Ayton sees the potential for something long-lasting.
“This is about competing for a championship,” he said. “And it’s about being around greatness — Luka, LeBron, Reaves — guys who can help me elevate and who I can grow with.”
If Ayton can stay healthy, embrace the moment, and channel his motivation the right way, Los Angeles may have quietly found a foundational piece to build around in the post-LeBron era. For now, Ayton is all in — and more than ready to turn this “video game” into something real.