New LA Lakers center Deandre Ayton revealed that Luka Doncic is "super ripped" and in incredible shape.
Newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was introduced at Tuesday's press conference, where he expressed his excitement about joining a team with NBA superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic—especially the Slovenian guard.
Free throws this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
"It feels like a video game, like somebody set it up," Ayton said of Luka. "I think somebody set this up. But, honestly, this is an opportunity I won't take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player. Hearing the shape he's in, he's super ripped, I'm finally glad to be on this side while he's doing all of that. I'm truly excited."
Doncic, fully focused on conditioning and body transformation this offseason, has also shared similar feelings and has been "excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton."
Both players are 26, represented by longtime agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, and were drafted in 2018—Ayton as the No. 1 overall pick, and Luka third.
"I feel like the Lakers were the best position [for me]," Ayton said. "They want to win a championship right now, and I want to win right now as well and just be part of a winning legacy and be around winners.
"The last two years were just a different route for me, and I just learned a lot that when you don't win in this league, you can be forgotten."
Ayton signed with the LA Lakers on a $16.6 million deal, which includes a player option for the 2026–27 season.
This signing came after Ayton agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, who owed him $35.5 million for the upcoming season.
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