Deandre Ayton, the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, signed a two-year, $16.2 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after getting bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers now have a “Big 3” of Ayton, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Ayton and Doncic have the same agent, Bill Duffy. Doncic was the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
According to Ayton, Doncic has texted him, but James has been M.I.A.
Deandre Ayton has not spoken to LeBron James or Luka Doncic since signing with the Lakers
“Not really yet, but I definitely got a text from Luka.” pic.twitter.com/H3D5w8Jxfw
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 9, 2025
James picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers — who haven’t announced the move by the way — but the leading scorer in NBA history’s agent caused a firestorm after that.
Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group told NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Paul continued: “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
Is James going to request a trade from the Lakers? Probably not. His son, Bronny James, is on the team and LeBron loves living in Los Angeles.
James is likely putting pressure on Rob Pelinka to improve the roster around him and Doncic. The Lakers were the third seed in the West last season but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick will likely start Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Ayton next season. That’s a solid starting lineup, but Pelinka needs to upgrade the Lakers’ bench.
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Other than height, is this really a big three? Ayton is a bust and average big man at best. The Lakers are overrated and will continue to get bounced in the first round, IF they even make the playoffs. I don’t blame Lebron for giving him the cold shoulder. He probably slapped his forehead when the signing was announced.