Deandre Ayton and superstar Luka Dončić reportedly were very interesting in teaming up this summer on the Los Angeles Lakers after the veteran center agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Deandre Ayton's decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers was reportedly influenced by the chance to play alongside Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton “were motivated” to team up on the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Ayton signed a two-year contract with the Lakers after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James do not appear to be on good terms currently. Plenty of reports have come out that suggest the two sides could part ways. Some think a trade might occur. Others simply think that James will play out the final season on his contract and either leave for another team or retire next offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers have done one really weird thing since the public began speculating about a possible LeBron James trade. L.A. has yet to acknowledge publicly that James opted-in to his player option for 2025-26 to play the upcoming season for $52.

NBA free agency officially began Monday, and the first stunner came the following morning when Myles Turner, the top free agent on the board, agreed to join the Bucks on a four-year deal. That's a surprise on its own.