Newly acquired center Deandre Ayton expressed his enthusiasm during his introductory press conference for the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting his eagerness to team up with stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Ayton commented on playing with Doncic, saying it feels like “a video game”.

Ayton signed a contract worth $16.6 million, which includes a player option for the 2026–27 season, following a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers where he was set to earn $35.5 million this season.

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Ayton is poised to strengthen the Lakers’ frontcourt alongside Doncic, who was drafted just two spots later as the No. 3 pick. Doncic joined the Lakers through a significant trade with the Dallas Mavericks on February 1, following a successful season that saw him lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. However, his transfer raised concerns regarding his conditioning.

During the press conference, Ayton also mentioned hearing that Doncic has been training intensely and is “super ripped,” expressing his excitement to be on the same team as such a generational talent.