Latest news with #LakeShow
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
LeBron James greeted Lakers coaches, took photo with teammates on Monday
A post shared by NBA (@nba) There is a lot of noise these days that LeBron James and his camp are unhappy with the Los Angeles Lakers and that it is just a matter of time before he asks to be traded. That noise has stemmed from a cryptic statement his agent, Rich Paul, made on June 29 when he decided to exercise the player option on his contract for this coming season. There is a very real chance that all this talk is nothing more than people running away with a couple of parts of Paul's statement and that there are no real hard feelings between James and the Lakers. He has been in attendance for their last couple of summer league games, and on Monday, he shook hands with several members of their coaching staff, as well as Rob Pelinka, their general manager. The superstar also took a photo with teammates Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton. #LakeShow in Vegas supporting the Summer squad 👏(📸: @NBA) It is very possible that Paul's quote merely put the Lakers on notice that James wants to win his fifth championship as soon as possible, and that if doing so isn't realistic, the door is open to James asking for a trade as a last resort. But as usual, people will make all types of speculation about James, especially given how polarizing and passive-aggressive he is.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers' Deandre Ayton Doesn't Hold Back About Luka Doncic
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers came into the NBA offseason badly needing a new starting center. After rumors connected them to quite a few options, the Lakers decided to sign Deandre Ayton following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Of course, that was the same draft Luka Doncic was selected at No. 3 overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, the two top 2018 picks will have a chance to team up and play together. Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Moda Center on January 31, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Moda Center on January 31, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Photo bySince being drafted, Ayton has not been able to live up to the hype that surrounded him at the time. He has shown flashes of stardom, but those flashes have not turned into consistency. Read more: Report: Lakers, Bulls Connected as Possible Trade Partners Joining forces with Doncic and LeBron James could be exactly what Ayton needs to take the next step and play up to his full potential. Following his decision to sign with Los Angeles, Ayton spoke out boldly about Doncic. "Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I'm happy to be his teammate," Ayton said. "Hearing about the kind of shape he's been in, he's super ripped and I'm finally glad to be on his side." During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Trail Blazers, Ayton played in 40 games. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block per game, while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor. Back in the 2023-24 campaign in his first year with Portland, he averaged 16.7 points per game to go along with 11.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, a steal, and 0.8 blocks per game. At just 26 years old, Ayton is in his prime. He's more than capable of taking a big step with the Lakers and becoming a legitimate star. It's a great fit from a basketball perspective and Doncic will help him in a big way. Read more: Mavericks' Anthony Davis Receives Shocking Injury Update In addition to talking about playing with Doncic, Ayton also sent out his first message on social media since joining Los Angeles. "New chapter. Let's hoop, Lakers Nation #LakeShow," his post read. It will be interesting to see what Ayton is able to accomplish with the Lakers. He's exactly the kind of presence Los Angeles needed at the center position and will be asked to shoulder a big role as the team looks to become a championship contender. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Deandre Ayton Sends A Message To Laker Nation After Joining Them On $16 Million Deal
Deandre Ayton Sends A Message To Laker Nation After Joining Them On $16 Million Deal originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Deandre Ayton is officially a Los Angeles Lakers player, and he wasted no time acknowledging both where he came from and where he's headed next. In a heartfelt Instagram message following his exit from Portland, Ayton expressed gratitude for his brief stint with the Trail Blazers before pivoting to his new chapter in Los Angeles." Advertisement "RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya'll for welcoming me and my family." "I've truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community." "Big up to my teammates, ya'll the realest✊🏽The entire coaching staff, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya'll." "Thank you to the entire front office and staff from the facility to the arena…I'm grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey." "Trailblazers, you'll always have a place in my heart." "Lakers I'M READY. Let's get to work 💛💜 #LakeShow." That message now becomes part of the narrative as the Lakers attempt to rebound from a disappointing offseason start. Advertisement After missing out on Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, and even internal targets like Luke Kornet, Rob Pelinka finally secured a legitimate starting center. And while Ayton wasn't the Lakers' first choice, he may prove to be their most important addition. According to Shams Charania, Ayton signed a $16 million deal with the Lakers, completing a transaction that now sees him earn a total of $34 million between Portland and Los Angeles for the upcoming season. At just 26 years old and with a résumé that includes multiple playoff runs with the Suns, Ayton brings upside, physical presence, and experience, albeit with question marks around consistency and motor. Last season with the Blazers, Ayton averaged a respectable 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 56.6% from the field across 40 games. Advertisement Ayton's message to Laker Nation signifies more than a new jersey; it's a rebrand of sorts. His tenure in Phoenix ended in tension. His stop in Portland was marred by locker room rumors and lack of buy-in. Now, alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and JJ Redick, Ayton enters a more demanding environment, and he knows it. The Lakers desperately needed this. Following their blockbuster trade that shipped Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic, the roster's frontcourt had been paper-thin, relying on Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber to hold down the paint. With LeBron turning 41 this season and Luka needing a reliable pick-and-roll partner, Ayton becomes a central piece of this new Lakers puzzle. JJ Redick, who once praised Ayton's ability to punish mismatches and run high-level pick-and-rolls with Chris Paul, will now look to unlock that same potential with Luka. Advertisement If Ayton buys in, defends with effort, and commits to playing within the Lakers' scheme, he could rejuvenate his career and help this team challenge for a top-four seed in the West. Of course, fans remain split. Some see Ayton as the missing piece, while others believe he's a stopgap. The truth is likely somewhere in between. But Ayton's message, appreciative, humble, and eager, suggests he knows what's at stake. This is no longer a rebuilding team. This is the final sprint of LeBron James' legendary career, the launchpad for Luka's Laker era, and perhaps Ayton's last chance to become the star everyone once projected. Related: Lakers Fans React To Projected Starting Five With Deandre Ayton: Potential Contender In The West This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
James Worthy is bullish on Lakers' acquisition of Jake LaRavia
A lot of people are talking about the Los Angeles Lakers getting center Deandre Ayton to agree to a two-year contract. While Ayton comes with some real concerns, he is a potent offensive threat and a strong rebounder, and his arrival should go a long way in plugging the gaping crater the Lakers have had at the 5 spot. But they also got forward Jake LaRavia to agree to a two-year, $12 million contract. This move has flown somewhat under the radar, but there are some in the NBA community who feel he may turn out to be a gem for the team. James Worthy, the Lakers Hall of Famer from their Showtime squads of the 1980s, seems bullish on LaRavia. He said during the "Lake Show" podcast that the 23-year-old will thrive offensively in L.A. 'I like him,' Worthy said. 'Coming to play for JJ Redick, who encourages you to take the three when you open. 'Playing with the biggest magnet in the game, Luka [Doncic], eight out of 10 plays he gets into the paint, there are four players that are collapsing around him, he's going to be able to find those guys if you can move to the level and get in eyesight.' Worthy also pointed out that L.A.'s two other main stars will help LaRavia get good shots. 'I think he'll find some shots. LeBron is another guy that breaks down the defence, Austin Reaves, he can break down the defense. 'So if you're a savvy guy that knows how to drop down to the level of the ball, and be in sight, you are going to benefit from that.' LaRavia hit 42.3% of his 3-point attempts this past season, and that is a skill the Lakers definitely need more of, especially since it looks like Redick wants them to be a high-volume 3-point shooting team. He can also attack the basket off the dribble a bit, and he may be an underrated defender, especially when it comes to getting steals and deflections. During the 2024-25 season, LaRavia averaged 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 steals per 36 minutes.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Deandre Ayton pens a heartfelt note for Portland Trail Blazers after signing $16.6 million deal with Los Angeles Lakers
Deandre Ayton, Image via Getty The Los Angeles Lakers are making the most of their offseason. Recently, former Portland Trail Blazers star Deandre Ayton was roped in by the Lakers for the upcoming NBA season. The Bahamian basketball athlete went on to sign a $16.6 million deal with the Lakers for next two seasons. Deandre Ayton poured his heart out while writing a gratitude note for the Blazers on social media. From giving a heartfelt tribute to Blazer's ecosystem to looking forward to sharing the roster with LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Ayton is all set to become a part of the Lakers for the next NBA season. Deandre Ayton pens a heartfelt note for Portland Trail Blazers on Instagram In a recent heart-touching post on Instagram, Portland Trail Blazers' star Deandre Ayton expressed gratitude for his former team and teammates. The 26-year-old wrote, 'RIP CITY, thank you. I appreciate ya'll for welcoming me and my family. I've truly enjoyed my experience engaging with such a proud fanbase and beautiful community. Big up to my teammates, ya'll the realest. The entire coaching staff, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate going to battle with ya'll.' His post further mentioned 'Thank you to the entire front office and staff from the facility to the arena…I'm grateful to every one of you for being part of the journey. @trailblazers, you'll always have a place in my heart.' Ayton concluded the post with hope and enthusiasm to become a part of the Los Angeles Lakers. '@lakers I'M READY. Let's get to work. 💛💜 #LakeShow.' Deandre Ayton's excitement and grit spoke volumes about his perspective after signing the $16.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Deandre Ayton is expected to face significant expectations as he joins the Lakers with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. With a player option looming for the 2026-27 NBA season, reportedly a strong performance could position him for an interesting contract worth up to $34 million in his next free agency. Also Read: LeBron James' mother Gloria James pens a heart-touching message for her grandson Bryce's high school graduation For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
