The Los Angeles Lakers made waves in the offseason by signing center Deandre Ayton, positioning him as a pivotal piece in their quest to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. However, with the 2025-26 NBA season just around the corner, Ayton dropped a concerning revelation that could spell trouble for the team’s early-season chemistry. In a recent press conference, the former No. 1 overall pick admitted he has not yet shared the court with superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, raising eyebrows about the Lakers’ readiness for the upcoming campaign.
“I haven’t,” Ayton said when asked about playing alongside Doncic and James. “Something I’ve just been waiting on, just gotta prepare. JJ (Redick) and the coaching staff probably have something put together for us to really build chemistry.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick attempted to provide clarity on Thursday, noting that Ayton did practice with Doncic during training camp last week. “DA got a couple of days with Luka last week,” Redick explained. “No one’s gotten any time with LeBron, not just DA. That’s just reality.” The lack of on-court time with James is particularly concerning, as the superstar is currently sidelined with a nerve issue in his glute, diagnosed as sciatica on his right side. James is expected to miss at least three to four weeks, meaning he will likely be absent for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Ayton’s admission underscores a critical challenge for the Lakers as they aim to integrate their new core. While Ayton has participated in preseason games, neither Doncic nor James has seen action, leaving the team’s chemistry untested. This lack of cohesion could prove costly, especially after the Lakers’ struggles in last season’s playoffs exposed their need for a dominant big man and improved perimeter defense.
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The Lakers’ postseason shortcomings were glaring in their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After trading away Anthony Davis in a blockbuster deal last February, Los Angeles opted for a smaller lineup that faltered against Minnesota’s size and physicality. The Timberwolves exploited the Lakers’ lack of height and defensive prowess on the perimeter, highlighting the need for a player like Ayton to anchor the paint.
As the Lakers’ new X-factor, Ayton’s performance will be a make-or-break element for the team’s success this season. The 27-year-old center brings a unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill to Los Angeles, but his ability to gel with Doncic and James will determine how far the team can go. If Ayton can establish chemistry with his star teammates and dominate in the paint, the Lakers could emerge as a serious contender in the Western Conference. However, if he struggles to adapt or fails to fill the void left by Davis, Los Angeles risks another disappointing season.
With James sidelined and the clock ticking toward the season opener, the Lakers face an uphill battle to build the necessary chemistry. Ayton’s candid admission serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. For a team with championship aspirations, the lack of on-court time among its core players is far from ideal. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ayton and the coaching staff to navigate these early obstacles and unlock the potential of this revamped roster.