Both players were top-three picks in the 2018 NBA Draft and have maintained a strong relationship since preparing for that draft together. They share the same agent, Bill Duffy, and have built a mutual respect that extends beyond the court.

This connection was a key factor in Ayton’s decision to join the Lakers. While Ayton had interest from several teams after his buyout from Portland, the opportunity to play with Doncic—whom he regards as the NBA’s best playmaker—was a decisive draw.

On-Court Chemistry and Strategic Fit

The Lakers’ pursuit of Ayton was driven by a need for a dynamic pick-and-roll partner and rim protector to complement Doncic’s playmaking. Ayton’s best NBA stretch came as the starting center for the 2021 Phoenix Suns, when he thrived running pick-and-rolls with Chris Paul and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals.

Doncic and the Lakers’ front office believe that Ayton’s skill set—elite finishing, rebounding, and mobility—will mesh perfectly with Doncic’s ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.

Ayton’s arrival fills a major void in the Lakers’ frontcourt following the departure of Anthony Davis. The team had previously struggled to find a reliable center, and Ayton’s proven playoff experience and efficiency (14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds per game last season) make him an ideal fit for a Lakers squad aiming to contend immediately.

Shared Ambitions and Fresh Motivation

Both Doncic and Ayton are entering their primes at age 26 and are eager to prove themselves as leaders on a new-look Lakers team. Sources close to the organization say Doncic was “eager” and gave his full endorsement for the Ayton signing, viewing it as a move that could unlock the best version of both players.

Ayton, for his part, is motivated to silence critics and recapture the intensity and consistency he showed during the Suns’ Finals run.

The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has emphasized that acquiring a starting-caliber center was their top priority, and Ayton’s combination of size, athleticism, and playoff pedigree aligns with the franchise’s championship aspirations.

The hope is that the synergy between Doncic and Ayton will elevate the Lakers’ offense and provide the defensive anchor needed for a deep postseason run.

With both stars now united in Los Angeles, the Lakers are betting that the Doncic-Ayton partnership will be the foundation for their next title push. The chemistry, shared history, and complementary skill sets of these two 2018 draftees have set high expectations for what could be one of the NBA’s most intriguing duos in the 2025–26 season.