Deandre Ayton Raves About Teaming Up with ‘Super-Ripped’ Luka Dončić on Lakers: ‘This Feels Like a Video Game’…see more..
Los Angeles, CA — The buzz surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers’ blockbuster offseason continues to intensify, and no one seems more fired up than Deandre Ayton himself. The newly acquired center expressed unfiltered excitement over teaming up with Luka Dončić, calling the union “surreal” and comparing it to a “video game.”
Ayton, 26, who was traded to the Lakers as part of a three-team deal that also brought Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most stunning offseason moves in recent memory, is now embracing the opportunity to share the court with the Slovenian superstar. Speaking to reporters during his first workout with the team at the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo, Ayton couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.
> “I walked in and saw Luka — he’s super ripped now, like actually jacked,” Ayton said, laughing. “I looked at him and thought, ‘This doesn’t even feel real.’ It’s like we’re controlling some 2K MyTeam squad in real life.”
A New-Look Lakers Roster
After another early playoff exit and rising questions surrounding LeBron James’ future, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka swung for the fences this summer. He orchestrated a deal that sent multiple assets — including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and future draft picks — to facilitate the arrivals of Ayton and Dončić. The goal? Surround Anthony Davis with elite young talent to extend the franchise’s championship window.
Dončić, a perennial MVP candidate at just 26, underwent a noticeable transformation this offseason, arriving at the Lakers’ facility visibly leaner and more muscular. Sources close to the organization say Luka dropped nearly 10 pounds while adding muscle, hiring a new performance team and nutritionist to improve endurance and quickness.
> “This is the best shape I’ve seen Luka in — and I’ve played against him for years,” Ayton added. “I’m telling you, when you’ve got a guy who can see the floor like him and now he’s explosive too? It’s scary.”
Chemistry Already Forming
Despite barely spending a week together, Ayton and Dončić have already begun forming a fast bond on and off the court. During early training runs, coaches have noted their natural chemistry in pick-and-roll sets and an emerging synergy that could rival some of the league’s most dynamic duos.
Head coach JJ Redick, now entering his second season at the helm, expressed confidence that the Ayton-Dončić pairing could revolutionize the Lakers’ offensive attack.
> “Deandre brings a vertical spacing presence we haven’t had in years, and Luka’s court vision will elevate everyone,” Redick said. “They’re already finishing each other’s sentences on the court. That’s rare this early.”
For Ayton, the excitement is personal. After a rollercoaster stint with the Phoenix Suns and an up-and-down year in Portland, he’s eager for a fresh start on a contender with a fanbase as passionate as the Lakers’.
> “I feel reborn, man. No drama, just hoops. This is where I want to be. The vibe here is positive, the fans are insane in a good way, and this team? It has a real shot.”
Life Without LeBron?
While Lakers officials have yet to formally confirm LeBron James’ departure, sources within the organization acknowledge that the Dončić-Ayton acquisition was partly a preparation for the post-LeBron era. James, now 40, remains unsigned at the time of this writing, though speculation continues to swirl about a potential one-year farewell tour with another team — or even retirement.
Ayton declined to comment directly on LeBron’s status but hinted that the team is ready for any direction.
> “Of course, Bron is the GOAT. But if this is the next chapter, we’re not scared of the moment,” Ayton said. “Luka’s built for this, and I’m ready to do my part. We’ve got something special.”
A Renewed Focus on Defense and Intensity
Beyond the flashy offensive potential, Ayton emphasized that defense will be a core focus.
> “People forget I’m a rim protector. I take pride in that,” he said. “With Luka running the show, my job becomes simpler — defend, rebound, run the floor, and finish strong. That’s what I’m about.”
The Lakers’ front office reportedly challenged Ayton to tap into the dominant interior presence he flashed during Phoenix’s 2021 Finals run. Redick, meanwhile, has praised Ayton’s attitude and work ethic in early sessions.
> “He’s locked in. There’s no ego, no complaints — just work. We need that,” Redick said.
Fans React: “NBA 2K Settings Activated”
Lakers fans online erupted with memes and excitement following the first leaked images of Luka and Ayton working out together. The trending phrase “NBA 2K settings activated” reflected the surreal nature of this new duo, and many fans called this the most exciting roster since the 2020 title team.
Some fans, however, remain cautiously optimistic. Critics question whether Dončić’s high-usage style can mesh seamlessly with a traditional center like Ayton, who’s most effective in pick-and-roll and post-up scenarios. Still, others argue that Dončić’s improved conditioning could help him play faster and adapt more easily to Redick’s modern offensive schemes.
What’s Next?
The Lakers will begin their preseason in early October, with fans eagerly awaiting their first glimpse of this new iteration. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but if Ayton’s reaction is any indication, the vibes are off the charts.
> “We’re just getting started,” Ayton smiled. “But I’m telling you now — this feels like a video game. And I plan on winning with the controller in my hands.”
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