Deandre Ayton Turns Heads with Admission About LeBron James After Joining Lakers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week, signing 26-year-old and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal.

A few days after making the signing official, Ayton arrived in Los Angeles, held his introductory press conference, and began doing interviews with local media, drawing considerable attention.

On Wednesday, during an interview with ESPN LA, Ayton was asked whether he had heard from Lakers superstars Luka Doncic — who was drafted in the same class as Ayton — and LeBron James, who recently opted into the final year of his contract despite rumors he might explore other options this offseason.

Ayton revealed he has heard from Doncic but said LeBron James has not reached out to him since signing with the Lakers. While it’s still the NBA offseason and this may not be significant, the comment has raised some eyebrows among basketball fans.

“Not really yet. But I definitely got a text from Luka. I know how the offseason goes — this isn’t my first rodeo. People are probably busy training and spending time with their families.”

Deandre Ayton says LeBron hasn’t sent him a welcome text since he joined the Lakers
“Hasn’t happened yet. I did get one from Luka.”
(via @Fullcourtpass, @Sedano, @ScottKaplan) pic.twitter.com/9VnONJGMA6

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 10, 2025

Fans reacted to Ayton’s comments: 

“LeBron is clearly waiting to welcome him to LA in person. The King always shows an admirable level of respect to everyone. He’s excited. I’m excited. We’re all excited. Stop trying to mislead people,” a fan said. 

Another person wrote, “LeBron is for sure leaving.”

Someone else added, “LeBron on the way out.” 

“That’s not normal LB…. No love to the new guy on the block?” One more fan commented. 

Deandre Ayton spent the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, and while things didn’t go exactly as planned, he still managed to average a double-double—an achievement he’s maintained every season of his career.

His best performances so far came during his time with the Phoenix Suns, where he helped lead the team to multiple postseason appearances, including the 2021 NBA Finals, which the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Across 398 career games, Ayton is averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 56.6% from the field.

Related: What Deandre Ayton Once Said About Luka Doncic Is Turning Heads After Lakers Deal

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

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