Deandre Ayton is hoping to revitalize his career with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Before that, Ayton was with the Phoenix Suns and that’s where he played the best basketball of his career.
If the Lakers are going to be championship contenders this season, they need Ayton to have a strong year.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesDeandre Ayton says he appreciates Luka Doncic for organizing team bonding event at the Porsche Driving Experience
Ayton had a rough preseason debut for the Lakers as fans are hoping it’s not a sign of things to come.
The 27-year-old should benefit from having easy looks playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Ayton talked about his new teammate Doncic and said he was impressed with him hosting a team bonding event at the Porsche Driving Experience, which is something Ayton never experienced before.
“I truly appreciate Luka for that.
“I had never done it before or had one of the star players really look out for the team like that, something like that is actually crazy.
“I’d never heard of it, or been in a Porsche before, my first time.”
Deandre Ayton says he hasn’t worked out with Luka Doncic and LeBron James yet
Ayton building chemistry with Doncic will be important as the season progresses.
However, despite spending time with Doncic at the team bonding event, Ayton revealed that he still hasn’t worked out with Doncic or James.
“I haven’t. It’s just something I’ll be waiting on, just gotta prepare.
“JJ [Redick] and the coaching staff probably has something where they can put stuff together for all of us to really build chemistry.”
Ayton’s best season came all the way back in 2019-20 when he averaged 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds.
That’s the closest Ayton was to being a 20 and 10 guy. If he can come close to those averages, that will bode well for Los Angeles.