By Sunday 
Remember the 2018 NBA Draft? Deandre Ayton went first overall, Luka Doncic went third—and if you were following closely, there was a lot of noise around who should’ve gone first. Fast-forward to 2025, and the debate has taken a wild new twist: Ayton and Luka are now teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yep. The former draft rivals are now joining forces in L.A., with one goal in mind—a championship.
From Draft Day to Hollywood
Ayton’s NBA journey hasn’t exactly mirrored the hype of a No. 1 pick. He’s had his moments, no doubt—some big rebounding nights, solid double-doubles, and a trip to the Finals with Phoenix—but consistency? That’s been the missing piece. After a short stint in Portland that ended with a buyout, Ayton now finds himself with the Lakers, and the timing couldn’t be better.
As for Luka? Well, he’s been that dude—a bona fide superstar, MVP candidate, and now the face of a Lakers roster that’s all-in on winning now. Oh, and he’s apparently in “super ripped” shape, according to his new big man.
Ayton: “Luka is a once-in-a-generation player”
Ayton didn’t mince words when asked about teaming up with Luka Doncic. He’s clearly hyped to be part of the new-look Lakers, telling reporters:
“Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side.”
For Ayton, this might be the environment he needs to hit his full potential. Playing alongside Doncic and LeBron James isn’t just a dream scenario—it’s a setup that demands the best from him. And the Lakers desperately need a big man who can anchor the paint, rebound, and run with Luka’s pace.
What the Numbers Say
Last season in Portland, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and shot 56.6% from the field in 40 games. The numbers weren’t bad—but they weren’t exactly eye-popping either. His first year with the Blazers saw better output: 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds. Still, nothing quite justified the No. 1 overall billing.
But here’s the silver lining: Ayton’s only 26 years old. He’s in his prime, he’s healthy, and he’s surrounded by All-Star IQ everywhere he turns.
Lakers Fans Have a New Core to Rally Around
Luka. LeBron. Ayton. Austin Reaves. This isn’t just a fun roster—it’s one with serious potential, especially if Ayton can lock in defensively and develop chemistry with Doncic in pick-and-roll situations.
Ayton is clearly feeling good about this fresh start. His first message as a Laker said it all:
“New chapter. Let’s hoop, Lakers Nation. #LakeShow”
And Lakers Nation is very ready to see what that chapter looks like.
Final Thought: From Draft Day Headlines to Banner Dreams
It’s rare to see two top-three draft picks from the same class become teammates this deep into their careers. It’s even rarer when one of them still has something to prove, and the other is already a superstar.
If Ayton can stay healthy and focused—and Luka keeps being Luka—this 2018 duo could end up writing a very different story together in Los Angeles.
Could we be looking at the partnership that helps the Lakers raise Banner 18? Stay tuned.