Deandre Ayton was officially introduced as a Los Angeles Lakers following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, cementing his status as the next starting center for the team.
There is a lot of hope for Ayton in Los Angeles because of his size, youth and talent. He is an instant upgrade over the big men the team had previously and seems motivated to get back to being in a winning situation.
Not only did the Lakers need Ayton, but he needs the team as well because of players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James who can revitalize his career.
At his introductory press conference, Ayton acknowledged playing next to Doncic and Jame is a huge opportunity.
“They both average about nine assists over their career span, and just the type of players they create with their teammates,” Ayton said of Doncic and James. “They turn them into superstars, they make them bigger than their roles, they make them very important on the floor. Just seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience that would be big for me. Just getting me back to my full form of how I used to play, you know, coming up and being a part of the (NBA) Finals. It’s those playmakers I’m used to having around me that’s leading to wins.”
When it comes to working with Doncic specifically, Ayton laid out how he envisions their pairing working.
“It should be quite fun,” Ayton added. “I like to let my ball handlers do what they do and they lead me through the rest. Luka, he’s black-and-white in the pick-and-roll. He puts so much pressure on the rim. You have to be willing to finish above the rim and finish your rolls and then just do your part. I think I’ve gotten a little cheat code playing with the playmakers I’ve played with in my past coming up through the league.
“And I’m pretty aware of how to get guys open and either to play in the pocket or roll straight to the rim. But it’s all about putting pressure on the rim and finishing at a high level. And I think that’s where they’ll really emphasize the pick-and-roll, because they’re great passers as well. And the type of guys they are, it puts [the defense] in a bind, just playing that cat-and-mouse game with the pick-and-roll.”
Ayton didn’t get much of a chance to talk to Doncic following his signing but they did manage to touch base.
“I spoke with Luka for a little bit. I’m pretty sure they’re all busy this offseason, I know Luka is handling his thing right now. But just a quick follow and things like that, just saying hello and just checking in.”
Overall, Ayton said all the right things but now it’ll be up to him to prove that he’s ready for what lies ahead.
Deandre Ayton says it feels like a video game to be teammates with Luka Doncic
Deandre Ayton was selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, but now finds himself teaming up with Luka Doncic who went third. Ayton admitted that it feels scripted the two are now joining forces.
“This feels like a video game. Like somebody set it up. Like somebody set this up. But honestly, this is an opportunity that I won’t take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side when he’s doing all of that. And I’m just truly excited. I’m a student of the game and I love to play with a passion. And the love I have received and I’ve not even thrown on a jersey, I can only show you guys my appreciation.”
Ayton sounds genuinely excited to play with Doncic and it’ll be fun to see how they pan out as pick and roll partners.
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