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Lakers News: LeBron James Hasn't Reached Out to Deandre Ayton, But Luka Doncic Has

Jason Fray|
Mar 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) high-fives forward Toumani Camara (33) after a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) high-fives forward Toumani Camara (33) after a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Lakers

The signing of Deandre Ayton has given the Los Angeles Lakers a credible center option for the first time since Anthony Davis was dealt to Dallas.

With all due respects to Jaxson Hayes, while he did an admirable job filling in out of necessity, he's more suited as a backup center — whereas Ayton has proven to be an above-average player at the position.

More news: Lakers Rumors: One LeBron James Trade Suitor Reportedly Out of Running

The Ayton-Luka Doncic combination also has some intrigue. The two share the same agent (Bill Duffy) and came into the NBA in the same draft. Reports indicate a strong sense of mutual respect between the two.

While Ayton has publicly said he's spoken to Doncic since joining the Lakers, he has not heard from LeBron James.

James and the Lakers appear to be in a bit of a strange spot. While he did opt into a player option north of $52 million recently, the Lakers have not released a public press release on the move. It's something the team traditionally does without blinking.

As for James, a statement did come from Rich Paul which passive aggressively (or aggressively depending on how one looks at it)

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

It is a big curious that Ayton and James haven't touched base yet. In the past, James hasn't hesitated in publicly welcoming other new additions to the team through social media.

More news: Lakers Rumors: NBA Insider Makes Prediction on De'Anthony Melton in Free Agency

In this case, despite the opt-in, is James seeing a role somewhere else? He's been uncharacteristically quiet all offseason long, and with the Lakers a ways away from being a true title contender as currently constituted, one has to wonder whether he would welcome a new challenge elsewhere.

More news: Lakers Notes: Massive LeBron James Trade Update, Bradley Beal Latest, Anthony Davis Surgery

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting). 

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