Deandre Ayton's message after signing with the Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton experienced a special presentation on Tuesday as the new player for Los Angeles Lakers. Over seven years after being chosen ahead of Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Bahamian center will now share the locker room with the Slovenian. "This feels like a video game, like someone planned it," confessed Ayton, dressed in an all-black suit during his press conference. "It's an opportunity I won't take for granted. Luka is a generational player, and I'm happy to be his teammate. I've heard he's in great physical shape, very defined, and I'm glad to be on his side now."

Although Doncic has shown to be lighter and more athletic, which could benefit the Lakers in an increasingly demanding Western Conference, Ayton's arrival could be even more decisive. At 26 years old, standing at 2.13 meters and weighing 113 kilos, he holds career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1 block per game, shooting 59% from the field. Following his departure from Portland, Ayton signed a two-year contract worth $16.6 million, with a player option for the second year, according to ESPN sources.

The center, who was instrumental in the Phoenix Suns reaching the 2021 Finals and achieving 64 wins in the following season, acknowledged that his time in Portland — where the Trail Blazers only managed 57 wins in two years — was challenging. "I feel that the Lakers are the ideal place for me. They want to win a championship now, and I also want that, to be part of a winning legacy, surround myself with people who know what it takes to succeed. These past two years were a different path, and I learned a lot; when you don't win in this league, you can be forgotten."

During the same presentation, Jake LaRavia was also introduced, signing a two-year contract for $12 million with the Lakers. Both mentioned their intention to adapt to the team's star players, Luka Doncic and LeBron James. "Both average close to nine assists in their careers. They turn their teammates into stars, make them more important on the court," stated Ayton. LaRavia added, "There are many really good players on this team. Luka and LeBron are players with a high basketball IQ and much experience. I'm excited to learn from them."

LeBron's continuity was confirmed last month when he decided to exercise his player option for one last year in exchange for $52.6 million, allowing him to play his 23rd season, a record in the league. His agent, Rich Paul, explained that James's goal remains to compete for a championship and that he would closely evaluate the Lakers' moves. "LeBron wants to contend for a title. He knows the team is thinking about the future but values having a real chance to win it all," Paul told ESPN.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El mensaje de Deandre Ayton tras fichar por Los Angeles Lakers