Luka Dončić ‘excited’ to play with Deandre Ayton

With Deandre Ayton joining the Lakers, Luka Dončić finally has a legit starting center to play with in LA and he sounds pretty happy about it.

It took longer than Lakers fans wanted, but Los Angeles has finally landed a center.

On Wednesday, Deandre Ayton cleared waivers and reportedly agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers.

Los Angeles needed a competent big like a plant needs water. One person who recognized this immediately upon their arrival to the Lakers was Luka Dončić.

Luka reportedly requested that the Lakers trade for a center last season, and they acquired Mark Williams within days.

Dončić was reportedly “impressed” by the move, and although that deal was ultimately rescinded, it showed the Lakers were serious about providing Luka with the players he needed to succeed. Now with Ayton’s arrival, Luka has his starting center lob threat.

So, what does the Lakers' superstar think of this acquisition?

According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Luka certainly sounds pleased with the move.

Dončić, according to league sources, is excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton.

Given his request for a big last season, it makes sense that Luka would be happy with the Lakers addressing the lack of centers on the roster. His positive reaction to those moves is also notable considering the two sides will soon be negotiating an extension.

This is an era shift for the Lakers, and things have to be built around Luka. Moving forward, knowing Luka is satisfied with a player addition will be near the top of the priority list, along with finances and fit for any potential free agent signings.

With Ayton’s arrival, the team has a vertical lob threat who is a double-digit scorer and rebounder at the five spot.

Ayton is now part of a winning situation, which is one of the reported reasons he requested a buyout from the Blazers.

Lakers fans saw Jaxson Hayes excel during the regular season with Luka passing him the ball. If Ayton comes with the right mentality, he should be able to put up career numbers as a Laker.

It seems Ayton has Luka’s approval, and the two should be a dynamic duo once the season kicks off later this year.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.