Lakers' Deandre Ayton Says Teaming Up With Luka Doncic 'Feels Like a Video Game'

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is thrilled to team up with point guard Luka Dončić, telling reporters at his introductory press conference on Tuesday that it "feels like a video game."

Ayton signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $16.6 million deal (player option for 2026-27) after his previous team, the Portland Trail Blazers, bought out the remainder of his contract, making him a free agent.

The 26-year-old big man, who has played seven NBA seasons, averaged 14.4 points on 56.6 percent shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game last year.

Ayton was held to 40 games last year, largely due to various injuries but primarily because of a left calf strain that sidelined him for the final two months of the year.

The former University of Arizona star has new life in Los Angeles, though, after playing five years with the Phoenix Suns and two more with Portland to start his career.

The Lakers sorely needed a big man after trading away Anthony Davis in the Dončić deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Now they have one as Ayton will immediately take on the starting center spot.

Thus far, Ayton has had a productive career, averaging a double-double (16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG over seven seasons.

One can argue, though, that it's also been a slight disappointment thus far, considering his status as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. Only three players chosen first overall from 2008-2023 haven't made an All-Star Game, and he is one of them, alongside Anthony Bennett and Markelle Fultz.

In addition, per a report from Jason Quick of The Athletic, there were numerous issues in Portland prior to the buyout.

"But in the end, they couldn’t live with his bad ways. The tardiness to team flights and practices, according to a team source.  The skipping of rehabilitation appointments. Fans saw him slam chairs when he was taken out of games. And a team source said there were tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort."

Ultimately, Ayton isn't immune to the criticism and the noise, which he says fuels him.

In Los Angeles, Ayton has a chance to put that past behind him on and off the court and start anew and showcase the potential and dominance that led to him being a No. 1 overall pick. Having Dončić and LeBron James around certainly helps, as does returning the core of team that won 50 games this year. Ultimately, the ball is in Ayton's court now, and the Lakers hope he can be the spark that can help vault L.A. to a greater height.