CONGRATULATIONS: Luka Dončić is now recognized as the MVP player of all time Receiving a Prestigious Award…
CONGRATULATIONS: Luka Dončić is now recognized as the MVP player of all time Receiving a Prestigious Award…
Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Lakers. He was originally selected first overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns — the same class that featured current Lakers star point guard Luka Doncic.
Following the signing, an old ESPN interview clip resurfaced of Ayton discussing Doncic’s early success in the league. The video quickly gained traction in light of their new reunion in Los Angeles.
Deandre Ayton is still just 26 years old, and his best seasons came during his time with the Phoenix Suns, where he played in multiple high-stakes playoff games — including the 2021 NBA Finals.
Despite a quieter stint in Portland over the last two seasons, he still posted solid numbers — averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 40 games last season on a Trail Blazers roster loaded with centers.
Now in Los Angeles, Ayton joins a star-studded team and becomes an ideal lob threat alongside Luka Doncic. With both Doncic and LeBron James — two of the best pure passers in basketball — feeding him, Ayton has a prime opportunity to revitalize his career and make a major impact.
Valančiūnas was expected to give Denver depth at center behind Jokić, a three-time league MVP.
Valančiūnas was drafted No. 5 overall in 2011 by the Toronto Raptors yet didn’t make his NBA debut until the 2012-13 season. Before that, he played for pro club Rytas Vilnius in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The 6-foot-11 Valančiūnas has played 13 seasons in the NBA. He spent 2012-19 with the Raptors, except he was traded midway through the 2018-19 campaign, which ended with the Kawhi Leonard-led Raptors winning the NBA Finals. Valančiūnas was shipped off to Memphis, where he played through the 2020-21 season. He was with the New Orleans Pelicans the next three seasons.
