Deandre Ayton Says He Hasn't Worked with LeBron James, Luka Doncic Yet at Lakers Camp

Nearly two weeks after the Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp, Deandre Ayton is still waiting to get work in with LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

Speaking to reporters during practice this week, Ayton explained he hasn't had time on the court with the Lakers' superstar duo yet.

"I haven't," Ayton said when asked what it's been like working with James and Dončić. "It's something I've just been waiting on."

Head coach JJ Redick told reporters on Thursday that Ayton has practiced with Dončić, though it hasn't been a regular occurrence.

Dončić has also been held out of the Lakers' first two preseason games. They have four more preseason contests before opening the regular season against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.

It's totally plausible that Ayton hasn't had much run with James at this point. The Lakers announced on Thursday that James will miss at least three to four weeks due to sciatica on his right side.

Prior to the Lakers announcing his injury, James hadn't gone through a full practice with the team since camp opened. Redick said the four-time NBA MVP was going to be "on his own timeline."

Even though this could signal some potential chemistry issues early in the season for the Lakers since some of their key players aren't getting on-court work together, history suggests it won't take Dončić long to get acclimated to new teammates.

Daniel Gafford was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 8, 2024. He debuted for the team two days later, recording 19 points and nine rebounds off the bench in a 146-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Lakers will be hoping Ayton can provide them more consistent production from the center spot than they received last season when Jaxson Hayes was the primary starter after Anthony Davis was traded.

Ayton, who signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers after receiving a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, has averaged a double-double in each of his first seven NBA seasons.