Without a doubt the biggest move the Los Angeles Lakers made this offseason was signing center Deandre Ayton. There was no questioning this team’s need for a center and Ayton fits the bill as a big, athletic center who can be a great pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic while also patrolling the boards and providing solid rim protection.
There were some character concerns that came out following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers with some questioning his work ethic and professionalism. But the Lakers clearly feel that won’t be a problem in L.A. and perhaps that is because they already have someone very familiar with him on their coaching staff in Scott Brooks.
The Lakers assistant coach was previously in Portland as an assistant under Chauncey Billups and worked with Ayton during the 2023-24 season. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Brooks advocated for the Lakers signing Ayton this offseason:
Ayton is said to have had another advocate within the Lakers’ ranks recommending that L.A. sign him: Former Blazers-turned-Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks.
In addition to his fit as a finisher alongside the Lakers’ trio of creators in Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, it certainly helps Ayton to have some familiarity amongst the coaching staff as well. Brooks is a long-time trusted coach in this league and if he is pushing for the Ayton signing than that likely goes a long way towards the Lakers decision.
If Brooks knows how to get the best out of Ayton that can only mean great things for the Lakers overall as he fits a major need for this team down low. Even in what was arguably his worst season as a pro last year, he still averaged a double-double of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. But with the coaching staff finding the best ways to utilize him, and Doncic, James and Reaves feeding him easy buckets, he should be in line for a big year in purple and gold.
Deandre Ayton wanted to team with Luka Doncic on Lakers
Another big factor that pushed Deandre Ayton to the Lakers was the opportunity to pair with superstar guard Luka Doncic, with the two both being part of the 2018 NBA Draft class and sharing an agent.
A recent report noted that Ayton felt the Lakers were his best basketball fit and views Doncic as the best playmaker in the NBA, hoping to create the same chemistry he had with the likes of Chris Paul in Phoenix.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
