Behind-the-scenes bombshell: Doncic interested in Lakers! and Ayton’s new contract reveals bold move

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Behind-the-Scenes Bombshell: Doncic Eyeing Lakers & Ayton’s New Deal Signals Bold Strategy

LOS ANGELES, July 3, 2025 – In a startling revelation on ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith dropped what could be the biggest offseason bombshell yet: Luka Dončić is quietly interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers long term. Moments after breaking that news, Smith pivoted to analyze the Lakers’ recent signing of DeAndre Ayton, calling the two-year, $16.6 million contract “a masterstroke” that underlines L.A.’s emerging blueprint.

Stephen A. Smith’s Revelations
During Wednesday’s edition of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith turned the spotlight away from trade chatter to insider intel. “Sources close to Luka tell me he’s intrigued by the Los Angeles situation,” Smith declared, eyes wide. “We’re talking about playing alongside LeBron James in Hollywood, getting the keys to a storied franchise—and having a say in roster building. That’s tempting for any superstar.” Smith added that Dončić has been monitoring the Lakers’ front-office moves and sizing up potential complementary pieces before committing his future.

The timing of Smith’s disclosure is significant. Just weeks after the blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to L.A., little was known about his long-term intentions. Now, thanks to Smith’s on-air bombshell, Lakers fans are buzzing with optimism that the Slovenian phenom could be locked in for more than just a single season.

Ayton’s Deal: Value and Vision
On the heels of Smith’s bombshell, attention turned to the Lakers’ swift agreement with former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton. Sources confirm the two-year, $16.6 million contract—with a player option in 2026–27—was structured to balance immediate impact and future flexibility. Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports initially reported the deal, but Stephen A. Smith praised the finer points on air: “This is exactly the kind of risk-reward signing Rob Pelinka dreams of. Ayton’s upside alongside Luka’s passing opens up the floor, and the player option gives L.A. an out if things don’t align.”

League insiders agree that Ayton’s athleticism and rim-protection were precisely the attributes the Lakers lacked last season. Averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in Portland before a late-season buyout, Ayton brings size and pick-and-roll chemistry tailor-made for Dončić’s playmaking.

A Collaborative Blueprint
According to multiple front-office sources, the Ayton signing represents more than a single roster tweak—it’s proof of a new collaborative approach in Los Angeles. While Rob Pelinka handles cap strategy and negotiation, Dončić’s recent on-court feedback and conditioning regimen have been integral to personnel decisions. Stephen A. Smith highlighted this shift: “We’re witnessing a franchise coach and front office handing the clipboard over to Luka. LeBron’s presence remains invaluable, but make no mistake—Luka’s in charge of the future.”

That democratic model contrasts sharply with past Lakers regimes, which often centered exclusively around LeBron’s preferences or purely analytical projections. Now, with Dončić’s endorsement of Ayton and a say in the pursuit of two-way wings, the Lakers appear to be embracing a star-driven yet balanced roster construction.

Fan Frenzy and Analyst Debate
Social media erupted following Smith’s revelations. #LukaToLakers trended on X as fans envisioned a lineup headlined by Dončić, LeBron, and Ayton. Doubters, however, argue that Dončić’s long-term commitment should not be taken for granted until a formal extension is signed. On “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith preemptively addressed skeptics: “When I’ve seen Luka’s body language in L.A., the smile, the conditioning work—he’s bought in. Would I bet my house on it? No. But I wouldn’t be shocked if he inks a supermax here soon.”

Meanwhile, NBA insiders point out that Ayton’s value deal gives the Lakers breathing room under the luxury tax threshold. With roughly $9 million in remaining cap space and access to the bi-annual exception, L.A. still has ammunition to add another perimeter defender or 3-and-D specialist—moves Dončić is said to favor.

The Stakes in the West
The Western Conference remains a gauntlet. The defending champion Denver Nuggets hold court in the high altitude, Golden State Warriors are rumored to pursue Damian Lillard, and Oklahoma City’s young core keeps ascending. For the Lakers, the dual mission is clear: maximize LeBron’s dwindling prime years while building a sustainable contender around Dončić.

Stephen A. Smith captured that urgency on national television: “If L.A. doesn’t capitalize on this window, they risk losing LeBron’s firepower and shattering Luka’s trust. This is crunch time,” he warned.

What’s Next?
Training camp looms in late September, but the real action is unfolding now. Will Pelinka and Dončić lock in additional wings like Jeremy Grant or Trey Murphy III? Can they retool their bench to withstand the West’s grind? And most crucially, will Dončić convert his rumored interest into a long-term commitment?

For Lakers faithful, Stephen A. Smith’s on-air bombshell has ignited fresh hope. With Dončić reportedly intrigued and Ayton’s shrewd deal in place, Los Angeles is staking its 2025–26 fortunes on a blend of superstar vision and front-office acumen. In a league where narratives shift overnight, the Lakers have just scripted their boldest chapter yet—and the world will be watching to see if this calculated gamble pays championship dividends