Luka Doncic Goes Viral After Deandre Ayton Joins Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their starting center after landing Deandre Ayton in free agency.
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Shams Charania of ESPN reported the development after several reports linking Ayton and the Lakers following the big man's buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. It is said to be a two-year deal with a player option, though exact financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
According to Charania, Ayton is set to earn $34 million between Portland and L.A. next season.
"BREAKING: Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka," Charania reported.
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After news of the deal surfaced, it quickly went viral, with several fans mentioning Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Both Doncic and Ayton are from the 2018 NBA Draft class, with the former going No. 3 overall and the latter being selected first overall.
Now, they are teammates on the Lakers, which has hyped up plenty of fans. Several L.A. faithful loved the idea of them teaming up, especially since Doncic has a history of maximizing the big men he plays with.
Doncic has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.2 steals. Meanwhile, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game in seven years in the league.
"Luka made lively look like a generational talent, he boutta show us why Ayton went #1," a commenter wrote.
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Another one said, "Best news of the evening. The Lakers really really needed a big man like Deandre Ayton to support Luka Doncic."
"Luka gonna make Ayton a 20 and 10 guy and Bron gonna get him to play winning basketball," a fan added.
A supporter remarked, "I think people underrate the fit between Ayton and Luka. Best offensive centre he's played with! Will be nice together."
"Luka and Ayton will be the best pick & roll duo in the league next year," a follower claimed.
A sixth poster noted, "Finally. Luka and Ayton let's go!"
Deandre Ayton joins the Los Angeles Lakers after his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
There were others who expressed concern about the Lakers' defense, since both Doncic and Ayton are not known for their defense. Regardless, there's still plenty of excitement surrounding L.A. as the team looks to contend next season and beyond.
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Related: Lakers Fans React to Damian Lillard News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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